LAHORE – Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly Mian Muin Riaz Qureshi on Tuesday strongly rejected the Punjab Budget 2026-27, terming it a “complete rejection-worthy document” and a “confusing game of words and figures.”
Addressing a press conference at the media hall of the Punjab Assembly, he said the budget reflected what he described as an “irresponsible and non-serious attitude” of the government, claiming it was neither pro-people nor pro-farmer. Mian Muin Riaz Qureshi alleged that the financial plan was an “anti-people and anti-farmer budget,” arguing that it failed to address the real economic hardships faced by citizens.
He further claimed that the chief minister, whom he referred to as a “Form 47 chief minister,” showed “lack of confidence” and even left the budget session midway. “This was a ridiculous budget,” he said, adding that the document lacked seriousness and transparency.
Political Stability Essential for Economic Growth
The opposition leader said political stability was essential for economic growth, warning that instability continues to undermine national development. Referring to global developments, he said the Iran–Israel conflict had already reshaped the global economic landscape, stressing that Pakistan could not afford internal political uncertainty at such a time. “We have repeatedly said that without political stability, the country cannot function,” he added.
Mian Muin Riaz Qureshi alleged that the leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was being subjected to political victimisation, claiming that the party’s founder had been imprisoned for over a thousand days. He said political repression was creating an environment of instability in the country.
Criticism of Governance Style
Criticising the government’s governance style, he said even advisory committee members had demanded printed copies of the budget but were not provided with them. “They are now releasing USBs instead, but by then the budget has already been presented,” he remarked. He further alleged that the government was running affairs in secrecy, questioning why key decisions were not made public.
Referring to past expenditures, he asked about the source of funds used for aircraft purchases, saying the government had never provided a satisfactory answer.
Prediction of Supplementary Budget
The opposition leader predicted that within the next four months, the government would be forced to present a supplementary budget due to unrealistic fiscal assumptions. “You will see a supplementary budget within four months,” he warned.
Concluding his press conference, he reiterated that the Punjab Budget 2026-27 lacked transparency, seriousness, and public welfare focus, and therefore deserved complete rejection from the opposition.
