ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Friday asserted that the forthcoming federal budget would not provide any relief to the public, emphasizing that it would fail to improve the lives of ordinary citizens. Speaking to the media, the PTI chairman stated that the government had “no performance over the past four years” and accused it of continued borrowing instead of reducing expenditures. He said the budget was expected to be “disappointing”, adding that “there will be no relief for the public” in the financial plan.
Criticism of Government Spending
Barrister Gohar criticized what he described as rising “extravagance and mismanagement” in government spending, saying the economic situation had worsened over time. He added that the budget should have focused on bringing real change in people’s lives, but instead, according to him, it reflected poor priorities.
Meeting with Imran Khan
Barrister Gohar also said efforts were ongoing to arrange a meeting with party founder Imran Khan, but there had been “no positive response” so far. He remarked that the public was suffering while the government was “asking for informal engagement”, adding that the party did not want “photo sessions” with the prime minister.
Budget Details
The government is set to unveil a massive Rs17.5 trillion (approximately $61 billion) consolidated budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 today to meet strict International Monetary Fund (IMF) austerity conditions. The high-stakes spending plan balances fiscal tightening and IMF structural directives while introducing relief measures for the poorest citizens and modest salary bumps for government workers. The budget comes as much of the population continues to feel the effects of the Iran-US war, with no indication that the conflict is easing. The government will propose measures to raise revenue and cut spending while shielding the nation's poorest. Under pressure to meet austerity conditions from the IMF, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb will submit a delayed Rs17.5 trillion ($61-billion) spending plan for the fiscal year starting next month in the National Assembly.
