ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Kissan Ittehad has called upon Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir to take action against the sugar mafia, which it accuses of exploiting impoverished farmers.
Khalid Hussain Bath, the Chairman of Kissan Ittehad, spoke during a press conference, asserting that the sugar mafia is actively working to reduce sugarcane prices and intentionally delaying the crushing season. He expressed frustration with the sugar mafia's long-standing dominance, which involves looting farmers, the general population, and the government through the creation of artificial shortages, tax evasion, and obtaining subsidies that cause significant losses to the national treasury.
The chairman urged the caretaker government to promptly announce sugarcane prices in consultation with the farmers, emphasizing the past failures of various governments in controlling the sugar mafia. He called upon COAS Asim Munir to take action against this influential group.
Umair Masood, the central president of Kissan Ittehad, emphasized the need for direct subsidies to farmers for fertilizers, as the subsidies provided by fertilizer factories often fail to reach the farmers, forcing them to purchase these essential commodities from the black market.
Previously, COAS General Asim Munir emphasized the continuation of a crackdown against smuggling and various illegal activities, citing the adverse impact of such activities on the economy, including hoarding and disruptions in the forex market.
