Pakistan Kissan Ittehad (PKI) leaders have issued an ultimatum to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, demanding her immediate resignation or facing a nationwide 'Million March' on Rawalpindi beginning September 25. The threat comes as the farming community alleges catastrophic losses under her administration, accusing it of mismanaging agricultural policy and ignoring growers' plight. Main Developments At a press conference in Lahore, PKI President Mian Umair Masood and Chairman Khalid Hussain Batth spelled out the demand, insisting that the farmers' movement is not against the ruling PML-N party but specifically targets Maryam Nawaz, whom they accuse of lacking political acumen and treating agricultural projects as contracts for the favored few. The leadership claimed that farmers suffered a staggering Rs2,200 billion loss because the provincial government refused to procure wheat. They also condemned the federal decision to import 3.5 million tonnes of wheat at the peak of the local harvest, undercutting domestic prices. Read also: Pakistan's Central Bank Warns Middle East Tensions Could Fuel Price Spiral Potato growers have faced deficits of Rs250,000 per acre, while cotton yields have collapsed from 60 maunds to just 12 maunds per acre. Input costs have spiraled: DAP fertilizer rose from Rs2,400 per bag in 2016 to Rs16,600, urea from Rs1,200 to Rs4,600, and tube-well electricity tariffs from Rs5 to Rs40 per unit. Batth also challenged the government's claimed wheat yield of 21.9 million tonnes, asserting actual production did not exceed 15 million tonnes. He questioned why police raids target poor farmers while major industrial players, such as Ramzan Sugar Mills, face no action over unpaid sugarcane dues. Background The PKI has previously voiced grievances over agricultural policy, but this is the first time it has directly called for a chief minister's resignation. The group has also criticized provincial bureaucracy and spokespersons, specifically naming Azma Bokhari and Salma Butt for lacking agricultural understanding. The farmers' frustration is compounded by a token fertilizer subsidy that was allegedly marred by departmental corruption. These issues have simmered for years, with growers feeling increasingly marginalized in policy decisions. Why It Matters The threatened march on Rawalpindi, home to the military's headquarters, signals a breakdown of trust in civilian leadership. PKI President Mian Umair warned that the PML-N's actions will not be forgotten by the rural electorate, which could have significant political repercussions ahead of upcoming elections. The economic stakes are high: with losses exceeding Rs2,200 billion and input costs soaring, Pakistan's agricultural sector—a backbone of its economy—faces potential collapse, threatening food security and rural livelihoods. What's Next The PKI has set September 25 as the start date for the 'Million March' if Maryam Nawaz does not resign. The group says it is preparing to take its final appeal directly to the military leadership in Rawalpindi, having lost all hope in civilian authorities. The government has not yet responded to the ultimatum, leaving the possibility of dialogue or escalation open. Farmers are also demanding action on sugarcane dues and a reversal of wheat import policies, which could be points of negotiation if talks occur.