ISLAMABAD: Opposition politicians have strongly criticized the federal budget, arguing that it fails to provide relief to ordinary citizens and reflects the government's inability to address Pakistan's worsening economic challenges. Both the leaders of an opposition parties' alliance—the TTAP—and the JI on Sunday slammed the budget that the PML-N led federal government announced on Friday.
Senate Opposition Leader's Remarks
Speaking at a seminar at the National Press Club, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Allama Raja Nasir Abbas said Pakistan's expenditures had long exceeded its income and that no serious effort had ever been made to reverse the trend. He compared the country's economic situation to that of a household spending more than it earns, warning that such a household ultimately becomes trapped under mounting debt and is forced to sell its assets. He said poverty was increasing rapidly, prices of essential commodities had become unaffordable, and government claims regarding poverty levels did not reflect realities on the ground.
"The poor cannot afford medical treatment, while the government is unable to provide basic services," he said. He added that in many parts of the country, schools had remained unchanged for decades and educational standards remained alarmingly low. According to him, youth unemployment officially stood at around 30 per cent but was in reality closer to 60 per cent.
Awaam Pakistan Party's Criticism
Awaam Pakistan party convener Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said the budget had become largely meaningless and that the last four years had been among the worst for Pakistan's economy. He said the government had failed to provide meaningful relief and had merely withdrawn some previous taxes while imposing new indirect taxes that would ultimately affect every citizen. Abbasi argued that the country's economic difficulties stemmed not from the IMF but from domestic policy failures.
"The real issue is not the IMF; it is our own policies," he said, adding that the government continued to spend beyond its means. He warned that rising debt and interest payments were placing an enormous burden on the economy and could also affect national security.
PTI Leader's Concerns
PTI leader Salman Akram Raja also expressed concern over the country's growing dependence on borrowing. He warned that reliance on loans would further aggravate economic distortions and said meaningful reforms were essential to achieving long-term stability. Raja noted that Pakistan's public debt had increased by approximately Rs40 trillion during the last four years, representing a near 100 per cent increase in total debt.
JI Chief's Warning
In his press conference, JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman described the budget as an IMF-driven document that offered no meaningful relief to the people. He demanded the immediate abolition of the petroleum levy and called for electricity tariffs for industries to be fixed at 9 cents per unit. He warned that if the government failed to provide relief, JI would launch a nationwide protest movement, including road blockades.
