Farmers’ Action Committee Slams Agricultural Tax in Balochistan, Threatens Protest

Quetta:The central spokesperson of the Farmers’ Action Committee in Balochistan has strongly condemned the imposition of an “oppressive” agricultural tax by the Balochistan Assembly. The spokesperson highlighted the stark differences between Balochistan and other provinces, noting that while Punjab and Sindh grow three to four crops annually using canal irrigation, Balochistan’s farmers rely on underground water, which they pump using electricity from depths of 600 to 1200 feet. Despite these disparities, the spokesperson argued that a uniform tax policy across the federation is unfair.

The spokesperson accused the Balochistan Assembly of succumbing to pressure from the IMF and implementing this harsh agricultural tax, which will devastate the already struggling farmers. With Balochistan making up 44% of Pakistan’s land area and 80% of the population dependent on agriculture, the spokesperson pointed out the destructive impact of inefficiency in both federal and provincial governments, which has caused the KESCO (electricity company) to repeatedly cut off power to the agricultural sector, worsening the financial crisis for farmers.

The Landowners Action Committee had previously staged a seven-day protest against the excessive load-shedding of electricity, which resulted in the initiation of a solar-powered tube well project. However, despite a promise that the project would be completed in one month, the implementation remains incomplete a year later. Meanwhile, the assembly imposed the agricultural tax, pushing farmers further into debt and exacerbating their financial hardship.

The spokesperson also criticized the Balochistan Assembly for passing laws that serve specific interests rather than the public good. Despite protests from the Landowners Action Committee, the assembly imposed the tax, breaking promises made by government and opposition members not to do so. The committee called on the assembly to implement the laws it has already passed before creating new ones and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the agricultural tax.

The committee warned that if the solar project is not completed by March, farmers across the province will take to the streets, and the responsibility will fall on both the federal and provincial governments.