PTI Slams Federal Budget 2024-25 as Anti-National

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has strongly criticized the 2024-25 federal budget presented by the government, labeling it as detrimental to the country’s interests. Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan condemned the budget during his address in the National Assembly on Thursday, describing it as the work of an “economic hitman.”

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led coalition government has set an ambitious tax revenue target of 13 trillion rupees ($46.66 billion) for the fiscal year starting July 1, marking a near 40% increase from the current year. This target, aimed at bolstering the case for a new bailout deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), aligns with analyst expectations. The total spending for the year is projected at 18.87 trillion rupees ($68 billion).

Omar Ayub Khan expressed skepticism about the budget’s feasibility, noting that investors are unlikely to inject capital into a country lacking rule of law. He claimed that the IMF had advised the government to negotiate with all stakeholders to build consensus on the budget. Ayub accused the government of presenting misleading economic figures, stating, “The economic survey [2023-2024] is also based on lies.”

The opposition leader highlighted the adverse economic conditions, including rising unemployment, inflation, and declining per capita income. He ridiculed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vow to eliminate corruption, citing the PM’s own involvement in National Accountability Bureau (NAB) cases. Ayub suggested that accountability should begin with high-profile corruption cases involving the Sharif family.

During a Senate session, PTI lawmaker Ali Zafar echoed Ayub’s concerns, arguing that the budget cannot succeed amid the current political polarization.

He challenged the legitimacy of the budget, attributing the crisis to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and claiming that the budget had been imposed on the people.

Senator Zafar predicted that the heavy taxation proposed in the budget could spark a “revolution” in the country. Drawing historical parallels, he noted that heavy taxes had led to significant unrest in the UK, the US, and France. “If all proposed taxes in the budget are approved, then the revolution in the country would come soon,” he warned.

Despite the opposition’s fierce criticism, members of the government defended the budget. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasized that the ambitious revenue targets are essential for economic stability and securing IMF support. The government maintains that the budget reflects a commitment to comprehensive economic reforms and social welfare initiatives.

The 2024-25 federal budget has sparked significant controversy, with the PTI accusing the government of economic mismanagement and political maneuvering. As the debate continues, the budget’s implications for Pakistan’s economic future and political stability remain a focal point of national discourse.