Protest in Yaseen Valley Against Finance Act 2023 and Wheat Quota Reduction
The Awami Action Committee (AAC) organized a major protest in Yaseen Valley, located in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan, to oppose the Finance Act 2023 and the reduction of the wheat quota for the region. This protest took place during the visit of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to the area.
One protester questioned the government’s timing, asking, “Why is the government visiting here now? When we raised issues related to justice and wheat subsidies, no one came to our aid.” The protest saw a large turnout of local leaders, activists, and citizens, all demanding the reversal of these policies.
Protesters argued that the Finance Act 2023, with its increased taxes, is severely impacting the livelihoods of people, especially in rural areas. Another protester criticized the administration for making life difficult for residents, calling for the removal of oppressive policies.
The protest also focused on the wheat subsidy issue, highlighting the struggles of farmers due to reduced allocations. Many protesters, including farmers and laborers, called for urgent reforms in agricultural and fiscal policies.
The AAC warned that similar protests would occur across the region unless the government addresses their concerns and engages in meaningful dialogue.
Doubts Revealed
Yaseen Valley -: Yaseen Valley is a region in Gilgit-Baltistan, which is an area administered by Pakistan. It is known for its beautiful landscapes and mountainous terrain.
Finance Act 2023 -: The Finance Act 2023 is a law passed by the government that outlines the country’s budget, including taxes and spending for the year 2023. It affects how much people and businesses have to pay in taxes.
Wheat Quota -: A wheat quota is a limit set by the government on how much wheat can be distributed to a region or group of people. Reducing the quota means less wheat is available for people to buy or receive.
Awami Action Committee -: The Awami Action Committee (AAC) is a group that represents the interests of local people. They organize protests and activities to voice concerns and demand changes from the government.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif -: Shehbaz Sharif is a political leader in Pakistan who was serving as the Prime Minister at the time of the protest. The Prime Minister is the head of the government in Pakistan.
Food Security -: Food security means having reliable access to enough affordable and nutritious food. When food security is threatened, people may not have enough to eat or may not be able to afford healthy food.
