Ex-Federal Minister Yar Muhammad Rind Warns of “Economic Murder” of Farmers, Calls for Urgent Policy Shift

Quetta:Senior political and tribal leader, former federal and provincial minister Sardar Yar Muhammad Rind, has strongly criticized government policies, saying that for the last three years farmers in Balochistan have been subjected to *“economic murder”* due to flawed decision-making.

Speaking at his residence in Quetta during a meeting with Kisan Ittehad Chairman Khalid Hussain Bath and his delegation, Rind said that 70–80% of Balochistan’s population depends on agriculture and livestock. *“If this continues, no farmer will sow wheat in the future. Last year’s wheat crisis caused farmers losses worth crores, while in the past $3 million was made in the name of wheat — this must be investigated,”* he stressed.

Rind revealed that despite owning land in three provinces, he had been forced to abandon 50% of his cultivation. He warned the government to correct its policies before the situation worsens. *“Today’s farmer is aware of his rights and is uniting for them. If pushed further, their hands may reach the collars of rulers,”* he cautioned.

Appealing to the top leadership, Rind urged Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and provincial chief ministers to take farmers’ issues seriously and resolve them on a priority basis. *“Agriculture is the backbone of food security and the country’s basic needs — neglecting it will harm the whole nation,”* he added.

On the occasion, Khalid Hussain Bath said farmers have not received proper wheat and cotton rates for the past two years, while climate change and other challenges have further worsened their plight. He announced that if demands were not met, the Kisan Ittehad would launch nationwide protests.

Bath gave federal and provincial governments a **15-day ultimatum** to announce the official wheat support price before sowing begins. *“If our demands are ignored, next year’s wheat cultivation will drop by 50%,”* he warned.

Sardar Yar Muhammad Rind assured the delegation of his full support, which was warmly acknowledged by the Kisan Ittehad leadership.