Farmers’ Action Committee Announces Protest Against Unjust Agricultural Tax and Solar Scheme Delays

Quetta:The **Farmers’ Action Committee** has announced a protest in front of the **Balochistan Assembly** on **January 2** to voice their opposition to the imposition of an unjust agricultural income tax on tribal lands and the delayed payments under the solar power project. The committee emphasized that the agricultural income tax, as well as the slow transfer of funds under the solar scheme, are unacceptable, and that the government’s failure to meet its promises is causing immense hardships for the farmers.

The decision to hold the protest was made during an emergency meeting of the Farmers’ Action Committee, chaired by **Malik Nasir Ahmad Shahwani**. The meeting was attended by key members from various districts, including **Haji Abdul Rahman Bazai**, **Haji Abdul Jabbar Kakr**, **Haji Kazim Khan Achakzai**, **Haji Muhammad Afzal Baloch**, **Haji Noor Ahmad Baloch**, **Haji Aziz Sarpara**, **Malik Ramzan Mehtarzai**, **Abdullah Jan Mirzai**, **Sayed Sadiq Ullah Agha**, **Haji Yaqoob Shahwani**, **Haji Abdul Quddus Achakzai**, **Ghulam Jan**, **Haqq Nawaz Langoo**, and **Yaqoob**.

The committee condemned the imposition of an agricultural income tax on the tribal lands of Balochistan, arguing that this tax would destroy the agricultural sector and financially burden all landowners, not just those involved in farming. The committee raised concerns that the tax would affect every individual who owns land in the region, further deepening economic struggles.

Additionally, the committee criticized the delays in the **solar power scheme**, which was intended to provide financial support to farmers. Despite the collection of data for **25,000 tube wells**, only **2,600 farmers** have received payments, leaving the rest in uncertainty. The committee highlighted that the federal and provincial governments had promised financial assistance for the installation of solar power, but the slow pace of fund distribution and the recent suspension of electricity supply have added to the frustration of farmers.

In a particularly harsh critique, the committee pointed out that **farmers in Balochistan have been provided only 6 hours of electricity over the past 15 months**, falling far short of the promises made by the government. The committee stated that this failure to deliver essential services is unacceptable, especially in the context of the ongoing energy crisis.

**Malik Nasir Ahmad Shahwani** emphasized that, despite facing severe difficulties, the farmers of Balochistan had always cooperated with the government. However, the lack of progress in resolving their issues had led to growing discontent. He announced that the **Farmers’ Action Committee** would hold a sit-in protest in front of the Balochistan Assembly on **January 2**, demanding immediate action on the electricity supply, faster fund distribution for the solar project, and the withdrawal of the unjust agricultural tax.

Furthermore, the committee has instructed all farmers across the province to join a rally at **Metropolitan Corporation** on **February 2**, from where they will march to the **Balochistan Assembly** to continue their protest and demand justice for the farming community.

This protest is a clear indication of the growing discontent among the farmers of Balochistan, who are calling on both the provincial and federal governments to address their grievances promptly and ensure that the promises made to them are fulfilled.