Farmers’ Committee and ex-chief minister condemn government actions in Mastung over security and agricultural issues

A farmers’ organisation along with former Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Mohammad Aslam Raisani have voiced serious concerns regarding the recent government policies and security measures in Mastung. They warned that these actions could have detrimental effects on agriculture, livelihoods, and the well-being of local communities in the region.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Zamindar Action Committee responded to recent remarks made by Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti. The Chief Minister had spoken about cutting orchards and displacing residents, citing security challenges faced by the government in Mastung and other parts of Balochistan. The committee strongly emphasized that maintaining law and order is the responsibility of the state and urged authorities not to shift the burden of security issues onto farmers and rural communities.

The organisation highlighted that farmers across Balochistan are already dealing with a severe agricultural crisis. Prolonged droughts, irregular rainfall, declining groundwater levels, and ongoing water shortages have significantly impacted farming activities and horticulture in the region. These environmental challenges have made it increasingly difficult for farmers to sustain their crops and livelihoods.

Furthermore, the committee pointed out that rising production costs are adding to the farmers’ difficulties. Increased expenses for electricity, diesel, fertilisers, seeds, and agricultural chemicals are making farming less profitable. At the same time, low market prices for agricultural products are placing additional financial strain on agricultural communities, threatening their economic stability.

The organisation also raised concerns about the impact of imports from neighboring countries. They argued that the influx of fruits and vegetables from across borders is undermining local producers by driving down market prices for domestic agricultural goods. The committee called on the government to review its import policies and take measures to protect local farmers from unfair competition.

Criticism was also directed at proposed additional agricultural taxes. The organisation urged authorities to prioritize relief measures instead, such as providing affordable electricity, improving water management, modernizing irrigation systems, and ensuring fair prices for farmers’ products. They emphasized that supporting farmers with these measures was essential for the sector’s sustainability.

The committee underscored the importance of orchards and agricultural land to the economy of rural Balochistan. They warned that any further decline in the agricultural sector would not only hurt farmers but also affect laborers, transport workers, traders, and others dependent on agricultural activities. The ripple effect could threaten the livelihoods of many in these communities.

The group called on the government to improve security conditions in Mastung and elsewhere in Balochistan. They urged authorities to provide protection to farmers and rural residents, and to involve agricultural organisations in policy discussions before implementing measures that directly impact orchards and crop production. Inclusive dialogue was seen as essential to prevent further hardship.

Separately, Nawab Mohammad Aslam Raisani, a prominent political figure and former Chief Minister, also voiced his opposition to recent measures affecting orchards and residents. In a social media post on platform X, Raisani warned that actions such as orchard cutting, displacement, and destruction of homes appeared to be part of a policy that risked alienating local communities and tribal groups.

Referring to past military operations in regions like North and South Waziristan, Upper Dir, Lower Dir, and Shangla, Raisani argued that such measures had failed to bring lasting peace. Instead, he claimed they resulted in displacement, destruction, and prolonged suffering for affected populations. He emphasized that military force might bring temporary calm but would not resolve underlying issues.

Raisani further stated that sustainable peace could only be achieved through political engagement, dialogue, and negotiated solutions. He suggested that military operations often abandoned the root causes of unrest, leading to continuous cycles of hardship for the local communities involved.

These statements come amid ongoing security concerns in Mastung, where authorities have cited security threats as justification for recent measures. While government officials maintain that their actions aim to restore stability and address security challenges, critics remain worried about the long-term impacts on local communities and economic activity in the region.