Farmers reject suspension in wheat scandal and demand real accountability

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s decision to suspend four officials – former National Minister for Food Security Muhammad Asif, former Director General of Food Protection AD Abid, National Commissioner for Food Security Waseem and Director Suhail – on the recommendation of an inquiry committee was met with skepticism.

Farooq Tariq, general secretary of the Pakistan Kisan Rabita Committee (PKRC), expressed dissatisfaction and said, “The federal cabinet’s decision to suspend four food security officials involved in the wheat scandal is inadequate. We believe that these officials are being made scapegoats to protect the real culprits,” Dawn reported.

Tariq further claimed: “They are trying to cover up the scandal by punishing a few junior officers.”

In addition, he criticized the investigation process and referred to the conflict of interest: “How can a federal secretary investigate his former boss?” He questioned the impartiality of the investigative committee chaired by Kamran Ali Afzal, who previously served as a secretary in the cabinet of caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq acted.

Despite allegations of a cover-up, Tariq highlighted the economic impact, stating: “The wheat scandal has been covered up and the real culprits who made this important economic decision are being protected.” He pointed out the disproportionate profits of certain companies and noted: “60 companies have made a lot of money from the wheat scandal, while most farmers are still unable to sell their wheat at government prices.”

Tariq defiantly warned of impending protests, stating: “If the government does not start wheat procurement and take action against the real culprits of the wheat scandal, the PKRC will invite farmers from across the country to protests in Lahore and Islamabad.” He called for a transparent investigation leading farmer representatives to identify the real culprits.

The PKRC’s demands for accountability and transparency underscore the depth of farmers’ discontent and suggest that the government faces a potentially turbulent road ahead in resolving the wheat scandal, Dawn reported. (ANI)

This report is automatically generated by the ANI news service. ThePrint assumes no responsibility for the content.

Read complete message