PAKPATTAN
The Pakistan Kissan Ittehad (PKI) criticised the decision regarding relocation of Ittefaq Suger Mills from Pakpattan to Rahim Yar Khan, saying that the PKI will not let the management fulfil its unjust decision that will deprive local farmers of the only source of income in the area.
The PKI continued it protest for the second day at the Main Gate of Ittefaq Suger Mills here on Friday. According to details, negotiations among the local administration, the police and farmers leaders are also in progress while heavy police deployment has been made in the area to avert any unpleasant situation. The Pakistan Kissan Ittehad has also announced to continue the sit-in until their demands are accepted. PKI leaders Akhter Khan Baloch and Ch Rizwan Iqbal while talking to The Nation told that the Suger Mills owners were trying to shift machinery to Rahim Yar Khan "Illegally." They claimed that the government had imposed a ban on the establishment any new sugar mill in the country.  "Owners of Ittefaq Suger Mills who are the cousins of the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister are allegedly trying to shift the mill due to their political influence," they alleged.
Moreover, the farmers said that it was only agri-related industry in the area and it shifting from Pakpattan would result in increase in unemployment in the area.  They said people of the area were already in financial crisis and after the decision it would be increased more and agriculture of the area would be ruined.