HYDERABAD: Sindh information and mass transit minister Sharjeel Inam Memon refuted claims of nepotism in distribution of gunny bags among farmers by the government for the wheat crop.
As per rule, government supplies gunny bags to farmers so that they can sell wheat to the government at official rates and getting these sacks remains a perennial issue for the growers.
Memon, responding to a question at press conference held at his residence in Hyderabad, denied any nepotism in distribution of gunny bags, procurement of wheat and supply of flour.
He said the government is paying Rs4,000 per 40kgs of wheat while traders in the open market are offering Rs4,200.
“Why will any big and influential farmer use political connections to sell wheat at Rs4,000 when the open market is paying them Rs4,200,” he wondered.
According to him, Sindh Food Department has launched a crackdown against the flourmills which are buying wheat at Rs4,200 in order to stock the commodity either for smuggling or hoarding.
He said that the economic policies of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government and the agreements it had made with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) were fuelling the prevailing economic crisis in Pakistan.
“The current morass is the fallout of the PTI government’s policies,” Memon claimed.
He accused Khan for working on a foreign agenda to weaken the roots of the country, adding that an economic warfare has been unleashed through him against Pakistan.
He recalled that the Election Commission of Pakistan’s decision in the foreign funding case against the PTI had disclosed funding from India and Israel based individuals to his party.
“Those enemies of Pakistan had funded a political party so that they could win the election.”