PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Sunday criticised the provincial government for what he called the destruction of fertile lands instead of focusing on providing water to barren lands.

He was addressing a farmers` convention at Governor`s House. The convention was held to safeguard the rights of farmers and ensure a brighter future for them. Farmers, representatives of various political parties, agricultural organisations and landowners from across the province attended the event.

The participants of the convention criticised provincial government for the proposed agricultural income tax and labelled it a discriminatory move.

They vehemently rejected the proposed tax, deeming it an oppressive action.

They put forward various suggestions for revision of the bill.

They also threatened to launch a movement if their recommendations were not included in the bill.

They thanked the governor for organising the convention.

The parliamentary leader of PPP in provincial assembly, Ahmad Karim Kundi, welcomed farmers and assured them that their suggestions would be compiled into joint recommendations and presented to President Asif Ali Zardari.

PPPs provincial president Mohammad Ali Shah Bacha also addressed the convention.

He said that if the provincial government did not retract the harsh tax and address the concerns of farmers, a full-fledged movement would be launched.

Governor Faisal Karim Kundi welcomed all the participants of the convention.

He reaffirmed his commitment to standing by farmers, cultivators and landowners, saying that he would ensure their suggestions reached the provincial government.

He said that PPP was advocating for rights of farmers.

He pledged to continue the tradition by raising their voices at every platform. He criticised the provincial government for focusing on destroying already fertile lands instead of providing water to barren lands to make them fertile.

The governor also condemned the imposition of agricultural income tax, saying it would increase undue pressure on an already struggling agriculture sector.

He said that the provincial government`s incompetence already caused significant problems to farmers and. He said that agricultural tax would have a negative impact on production. If agricultural tax was not revoked, a massive protest would be staged after Eid, he added.

The governor extended support to those employees, who had been dismissed by the provincial government.

He said that Governor`s House would always stand with the people of the province, offering support to those, who faced injustice.

He said that the convention was a vital step towards fostering dialogue between the government and farming community. APP