LAHORE: Political leaders, economists, and civil society representatives participating in an alternative budget dialogue on Wednesday called for a people-centred economic agenda and constitutional governance. The event, organised by the Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), brought together leaders and experts to discuss the country's economic challenges and the need for an alternative policy framework focused on the needs of citizens.
Economic Challenges Facing the Majority
Participants argued that the country's current economic direction had failed to address the concerns of the majority of the population, pointing to persistent inflation, unemployment, and declining purchasing power as major challenges facing households across the country.
Key Attendees and Their Stances
The dialogue was attended by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Shayan Bashir and Mian Akram Usman, former governor Muhammad Zubair, former senator Mushtaq Ahmad, and Haqooq-e-Khalq (HKP) leaders Ammar Ali Jan, Farooq Tariq, and Haider Butt. The speakers maintained that Pakistan's economic difficulties could not be separated from what they described as a broader political and constitutional crisis.
They argued that sustainable economic recovery required political stability, adherence to the rule of law, institutional accountability, and a budgetary framework that prioritised public welfare.
Concerns Over Political Imprisonment
They also voiced concern over the continued incarceration of former prime minister Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi, and political workers detained in different parts of the country. The speakers called for an end to political victimisation and demanded the release of political prisoners.
