ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders on Thursday criticized the federal government over the delayed presentation of the budget and expressed concerns about the country’s economic situation, taxation policies and support for key sectors, including agriculture, education and industry.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser said the government was preparing a budget that would negatively impact multiple sectors of the economy. He argued that farmers growing wheat, cotton and potatoes were already facing significant challenges, while rising electricity costs were affecting industrial activity, particularly in Faisalabad.
Qaiser claimed that inflation remained high and alleged that foreign companies were leaving Pakistan. He also criticized the federal government over what he described as unpaid dues to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the National Finance Commission (NFC) framework.
The PTI leader further alleged that the government lacked a clear economic strategy and raised concerns about the political environment in Gilgit-Baltistan ahead of elections.
PTI calls for tax relief and spending reforms
Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa finance minister Taimur Saleem Jhagra said the government had failed to provide relief to the public and questioned its economic policies.
He criticized the continued imposition of levies on petroleum products and urged the government to reduce taxes and surcharges. Jhagra also called for increased allocations for education and higher education institutions, noting that university funding had remained stagnant for several years.
He argued that development budgets were often underutilized and proposed reforms aimed at reducing the financial burden on citizens.
Concerns over IMF programme and taxation
PTI leader Rana Atif said Pakistan was currently operating under its 25th programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He criticized successive governments for relying on IMF support and questioned the effectiveness of taxation policies.
Atif claimed that significant tax revenues had been collected over the years without corresponding improvements in public services and infrastructure. He also pointed to Pakistan’s economic performance during the PTI government’s tenure despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Business community and tax collection issues raised
PTI leader Mubeen Arif Jatt raised concerns about tax collection mechanisms and the role of businesses in collecting taxes on behalf of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
He argued that businesses were burdened with tax compliance requirements and called for reforms to simplify the taxation system. Jatt also criticized the overall tax burden on businesses and consumers.
Government’s economic narrative questioned
PTI MNA Osama Mela questioned government claims regarding economic stability, arguing that the economy had not improved as promised.
He alleged that a number of foreign companies had exited Pakistan and urged the government to present practical solutions for economic recovery and investment growth.
The press conference came ahead of the federal budget announcement, with PTI leaders outlining their concerns regarding taxation, public spending, economic management and support for key sectors of the economy.
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