Gohar Ali Khan, Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has strongly criticised the federal government's economic performance, questioning why key structural reforms have not been implemented over the past four years. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament House, he stated that meeting national defence requirements is a constitutional obligation of the government, but it has failed to introduce meaningful tax reforms through the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
Economic Challenges and Policy Failures
Gohar argued that the depreciation of the Pakistani rupee and broader economic challenges reflect weaknesses in government policies. He also claimed that promised reforms related to pensions, expenditure management, and economic restructuring have yet to materialise. The PTI leader said the government has not delivered on commitments to reform major sectors, including retail, real estate, and agriculture, despite repeated assurances.
Federal-Provincial Financial Relations
Commenting on federal-provincial financial relations, Gohar maintained that transferring additional fiscal burdens to provinces amounts to an acknowledgment of shortcomings at the federal level. He stated that reducing the provincial share under the post-18th Amendment framework is not legally permissible and argued that any cut to provincial allocations through the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award would be unconstitutional.
Gohar also said the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is responsible for protecting the province’s financial interests and resources, adding that public concerns regarding the pace of economic reforms are increasing. He stressed that provinces are seeking their constitutional rights under the NFC mechanism and described the issue as one of public interest rather than political rivalry.
Call for Consensus and Party Unity
Calling for consensus among political parties on the NFC Award, the PTI chairman urged collective efforts to safeguard provincial rights and said internal party matters would be resolved through dialogue. He reiterated that the party remains united behind its leadership.
