Pakistan: Farmers reject suspension in wheat scandal and demand real accountability

Lahore : Farmers’ discontent over the wheat import scandal has deepened with the recent suspension of four officials involved in the affair, which farmers have dismissed as a mere symbolic gesture to protect the real culprits, Dawn reported.

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

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

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

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

Despite the cover-up allegations, Tariq emphasized the economic consequences, stating, “The wheat scandal has been covered up and the real culprits who made this important economic decision are being protected.” He pointed to the disproportionate profits made by certain companies, noting, “60 companies have made huge profits from the wheat scandal, while most farmers are still unable to sell their wheat at the government-set price.”

Defiantly warning of impending protests, Tariq stated, “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 protest in Lahore and Islamabad.” He demanded a transparent investigation led by farmers’ 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 turbulent road ahead in resolving the wheat scandal, Dawn reported.