MULTAN, Sep 26 (APP):President Pakistan Kisan Ittehad Khalid Mahmood Khokhar on Saturday called upon the government and opposition political parties to sit together for dialogue to address the country’s economic,agricultural,food security,law and order challenges,saying his organization was ready to facilitate and host such a dialogue in the larger national interest. Addressing a press conference here,he said political differences should not come in the way of collective efforts to address issues …
Kisan Ittehad offers to host dialogue between Govt,Opposition
MULTAN, Sep 26 (APP):President Pakistan Kisan Ittehad Khalid Mahmood Khokhar on Saturday called upon the government and opposition political parties to sit together for dialogue to address the country’s economic,agricultural,food security,law and order challenges,saying his organization was ready to facilitate and host such a dialogue in the larger national interest.
Addressing a press conference here,he said political differences should not come in the way of collective efforts to address issues confronting the country,stressing that “politics may be separate but Pakistan belongs to everyone.”
Khokhar said agriculture remained a major pillar of the national economy and farmers were among the country’s key stakeholders.
He urged all political parties to sit together and evolve a long-term roadmap for the economy,agriculture, education and health.
He said the prevailing situation had created difficulties for people and businesses while disruptions were also affecting economic activity,exports and imports.
He stressed the need for improving law and order and ensuring good governance through collective consultation.
The Kisan Ittehad president also expressed concern over the emerging food security challenges,saying production of major crops including maize, wheat, pulses and rice was facing pressure.
He said the country was moving towards a food security challenge for future generations if agricultural issues were not addressed in time.
Khokhar said wheat sowing was approaching but farmers were still awaiting a clear policy framework,urging the relevant authorities to announce the wheat policy at the earliest so that growers could make informed decisions regarding the upcoming crop.
He also called for measures to strengthen the agriculture sector and improve the economic viability of farming, saying many farmers were facing difficulties in arranging resources for the next crop.
Referring to the sugar sector, he said there was a need to explore opportunities for increasing exports and earning foreign exchange adding that appropriate policy measures could help strengthen the national economy.
Khokhar said millions of children were out of school and stressed that education and health required greater attention as part of a long-term national development strategy.
He also called for collective efforts to improve access to justice and public services for ordinary citizens.
He said Pakistan needed a clear economic roadmap for the next 25 years and urged political forces to place national interests above political differences.
“We are ready to host all political parties and provide them a platform for dialogue,” he said,adding that the country’s political leadership should sit together and find solutions to national issues.
Khokhar said farmers had a deep stake in Pakistan’s economic stability and food security,adding that strengthening agriculture would also contribute to employment, exports and overall economic growth.
He also paid tribute to the armed forces for their role in defending the country and said collective efforts were required to maintain peace and stability across the country.
