PESHAWAR, June 11, 2025 — An adviser in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa says powerful people in the federal and Punjab governments made policies that hurt farmers. He calls these policies “anti-farmer” and says they have caused huge losses in Pakistan’s farming sector.
Key Points:
- Adviser Barrister Dr. Saif says leaders in federal and Punjab governments follow anti-farmer ideas.
- Wheat farmers lost about Rs. 2,200 billion in one year.
- Agricultural output fell: wheat down 8.9%, cotton down 34%, maize down 15.4%.
- Pakistan’s food import bill rose to $7 billion in the first 10 months of this fiscal year.
- He praises KP’s chief minister for buying Punjab’s wheat last year to help farmers.
- He criticizes Punjab’s leadership for ignoring farmer problems.
Statement by Barrister Dr. Saif
Barrister Dr. Saif, Adviser on Information for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, spoke in Peshawar. He said the Kisan Ittehad (Farmers’ Union) has shown that the federal government’s claims of help for farmers are false. He also said the Punjab government’s development promises are hollow.
“Wheat farmers alone have lost Rs. 2,200 billion in the past year because of these wrong policies,” Dr. Saif said.
He noted big drops in crop production: wheat down by 8.91%, cotton by 34%, maize by 15.4%. He warned that the country pays more in food imports now. The import bill is $7 billion in the first 10 months of the year.
Agriculture Is the Economy’s Backbone
Dr. Saif said agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. He said the government is “crushing” a vital sector while saying it is making progress. He claimed the same anti-farmer figures stay in top positions in both federal and Punjab setups.
He spoke directly about Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz:
“Farmers in Punjab suffer while the provincial leadership stays silent and indifferent,” he said.
Praise for KP Support
Dr. Saif praised Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. Last year, KP bought wheat from Punjab farmers. Dr. Saif believes this move stopped a worse decline in agriculture.
“KP’s support helped prevent even larger losses for Punjab’s farmers,” he said.
What This Means
- Farmers face big losses: Lower crop output and high import bills can hurt farm families and the economy.
- Calls for change: The adviser urges federal and provincial leaders to review policies and put farmers first.
- Possible reactions: Farmers may press for support measures, subsidies, better prices, or relief packages.
- Next steps: Watch for government response. Farmers’ unions may hold meetings or protests. Media and public may demand clear plans to help agriculture.
Why This Matters
- Food security: Lower domestic output raises risk of food shortages or price hikes.
- Economic impact: Agriculture employs many people. Losses can spread to rural incomes and markets.
- Political angle: Criticism of top leaders may affect public opinion and policy debates.
