Amid tensions with India, Pakistan’s agriculture department has imposed a ban on rice cultivation in Punjab.
The Pakistani government cited water wastage and pest infestations in the crops as the reasons behind this decision. Authorities have also warned of strict legal action against those who fail to comply with the directive.
The Agriculture Department of Punjab, under the Punjab Government of Pakistan, has issued new directives under the Punjab Agricultural Pest Ordinance of 1959 and 1960. According to the notification, the Pakistani government has banned rice sowing. Farmers have been instructed not to plant rice before May 20, and the government has warned of legal action against those who violate the order.
The notification states that the decision was made to prevent pest outbreaks, improve crop quality, and conserve water resources in the region. It advises farmers to carefully follow the guidelines to avoid fines and ensure a successful rice harvest. The implementation of this agricultural policy is expected to benefit both farmers and the economy by maintaining better crop production conditions.
The Pakistani government acknowledged that rice is a major crop in Punjab’s agricultural sector but emphasized that early sowing increases pest infestations and leads to water wastage. It also reiterated that strict legal action will be taken against violators of the law.
This comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terrorist attack. After the incident, India took action against Pakistan by canceling the Indus Waters Treaty and shutting down the dam built on the Chenab River. Diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan have reportedly hit a severe low.
War starts between India and Pakistan
Fifteen days after the Pahalgam attack, the Indian government has carried out a missile strike on Pakistan. According to the Indian Army, the missile attack targeted terrorist zones in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
The Indian Army has named this operation “Operation Sindoor.”
India targeted nine locations associated with terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, including areas in Bahawalpur and Muridke. The Indian Ministry of Defence described the strikes as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” emphasizing that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted.
Pakistan: Reported at least 9 civilian deaths, including a child, and 38 injuries. Pakistan also claimed to have shot down five Indian fighter jets and a drone.
India: Acknowledged the loss of one fighter jet and reported three civilian deaths due to Pakistani retaliatory fire.
The international community has expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict. The United Nations and countries like the United States have urged both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to prevent further escalation
