Islamabad: The Opposition Leader in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub, has strongly criticized the new fiscal year’s budget, labeling it an act of economic terrorism against the public.
In the National Assembly today, Omar Ayub said that even Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confessed before this house that this budget was made with the consultation of the IMF. “I had told you earlier that a killer made this budget; it is economic terrorism against the people of Pakistan,” he said, adding that the budget is anti-people and not pro-poor. He lamented over ignoring the financial difficulties faced by the masses while making such a significant document.
The opposition leader also took potshots at the competence of the current cabinet, saying, “Is this a cabinet or a circus?” He highlighted GoP’s dual policies on wheat import/export, saying, “First they imported wheat from abroad and are now preparing to sell the same wheat outside – this shows their complete lack of understanding about the economy’s ABC.” He warned that essential commodities like oil, flour, and the dollar would continue rising, thus further burdening commoners. “You cannot grow the economy with an anti-industry budget,” he added.
The privatization strategy adopted by the government came under severe criticism from Omar Ayub, who asked. Why are we giving loans to those institutions that have been privatized? They have earmarked thirty billion for privatization, but where are the rest of the privatization programs?” According to him, investments were not happening due to the absence of the rule of law, causing stagnation in economic growth. “It is foolishness to say inflation has come down when ground realities tell us otherwise,” remarked he.
Speaking about the security situation in the country, Omar Ayyub alleged intelligence agencies were assaulting judges. Thereby eroding the rule of law further. There is no law in the land,” he complained, referring specifically to Mohsin Naqvi. The case caretaker for CM Punjab, whom he accused of importing worth four hundred fifty billion rupees without purchasing from farmers, thus making billions through import. NAB should take this up for investigation.
Omar Ayub’s comments reflect the opposition’s strong criticism of the government’s economic policy. He demanded a thorough investigation into the irregularities during wheat importation and privatization. “The government must explain itself; people in Pakistan need leaders who are open with them,” he added.
Finally, Omar Ayub urged the government to rethink its economic policies and focus on those who will people. “Budget should act as an instrument development not a means increase suffering among already downtrodden masses,” he concluded. The fiery speech by Omar Ayub underlines growing discontent among opposition parties. The general public is concerned about the federal government’s mishandling of the economy. Meanwhile, there is a demand for better financial management in the wake of the recent. The wheat import scandal points towards necessary reforms at the national level concerning fiscal matters.
