Multan, April 10, 2025: Farmers in Multan have warned the government of large-scale protests if official wheat support prices are not announced by April 14. The ultimatum was issued by Khalid Khokhar, Chairman of Kisan Ittehad, who stated that thousands of farmers, including women and children, will gather outside the Multan Press Club in demonstration.
Khokhar voiced strong frustration, noting that wheat was sown across Punjab following encouragement from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. “Farmers responded to the government’s call and now await a fair return on their hard work,” he said.
The protest threat emerged shortly after the Punjab government announced a significant relief measure—lifting all restrictions on the movement of wheat within and outside the province. The move is expected to enable farmers to access better prices by selling in the most profitable markets, whether local or interprovincial.
In a first for the province, the private sector will also be allowed to procure wheat directly from farmers. This deregulation of the wheat market is anticipated to create healthy competition among buyers, potentially resulting in improved returns for growers and better overall market efficiency.
Earlier this week, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting to review wheat procurement and pre-harvest production data. She praised the farmers of Punjab for achieving record-breaking wheat production this season and extended her heartfelt appreciation for their commitment and hard work.
The meeting also highlighted the government’s initiative to distribute 1,000 tractors free of cost among farmers to further enhance agricultural productivity. The policy signals the government’s continued support for the sector, but farmers remain firm in demanding timely action on wheat pricing.
