Pakistan: Farmers want real accountability and reject the suspension in the wheat crisis
May 23, Lahore, Pakistan: Farmers saw the recent suspension of four officials involved in the matter as a symbolic move to protect the real wrongdoers, and their ire over the wheat import scam has grown as a result, Dawn said.
Skepticism has been expressed over Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s decision to suspend four officials on the recommendation of an inquiry committee: Director Suhailon, former National Food Security Secretary Muhammad Asif, former Director-General of Food Protection AD Abid, and National Food Security Commissioner Waseem.
The Pakistan Kisan Rabita Committee’s (PKRC) general secretary, Farooq Tariq, voiced his displeasure, saying, “The federal cabinet’s decision to suspend four Food Security officers involved in the wheat scandal is insufficient.” According to Dawn, “We think that these cops are being used as scapegoats to shield the real offenders.”
Then Tariq said, “They are trying to cover up the scandal by punishing a few junior officers.”
“How can a federal secretary investigate his former boss?” he said, underscoring the conflict of interest in the investigation process. The former secretary of interim Prime Minister Anwarul Haq’s cabinet, Kamran Ali Afzal, led the probe committee, and he questioned its objectivity.
Tariq emphasized the economic consequences while denouncing charges of a cover-up, saying, “The wheat scandal has been covered up, and the real culprits who made this key economic decision are being protected.” “60 companies have made huge money through the wheat scandal, while most farmers are still unable to sell their wheat at government rates,” he said, drawing attention to the lopsided benefits achieved by select organizations.
Declaring, “The PKRC would invite farmers from across the country for protests in Lahore and Islamabad if the government does not start wheat procurement and take action against the real culprits of the wheat scandal,” Tariq made a defiant threat of approaching demonstrations. In order to find the real offenders, he demanded an open inquiry headed by farmers’ representatives.
According to Dawn, the PKRC’s demands for accountability and transparency highlight the extent of farmer dissatisfaction and suggest a bumpy road ahead for the government as it attempts to handle the wheat problem.
