Opposition Leader in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub, has harshly criticized the budget for the financial year 2024-25, alleging it was crafted by an “economic hitman” against the interests of Pakistan and its people.
Speaking during a National Assembly session, Ayub declared, “This budget is an illegal document, as the required finance bill and supporting documents were not presented alongside the finance minister’s speech.”
He emphasized that investors avoid countries lacking the rule of law, pointing to “historically low investment during the current government’s tenure.”
Ayub accused the government of contributing to rising unemployment, inflation, and decreasing per capita income, stating that this budget would destabilize the country.
Criticizing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and ministers such as Ahsan Iqbal, Ayub argued that corruption and mismanagement deter investment. He labeled the budget a “fraudulent document” and “economic terrorism,” asserting that it amounts to robbery from the Pakistani people.
Reflecting on the previous PTI-led government, Ayub claimed they had improved the economy under challenging conditions. He mentioned the government’s new program with the IMF and noted his personal respect for Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, despite feeling his “wings have been clipped.”
“It is an honour for me that I have also presented budgets in this house,” Ayub said. He recounted the challenges faced by PTI, including difficulties in running election campaigns and alleged false FIRs against them. He credited the former PTI chairman for their return to the National Assembly, stating, “The former PTI chairman had raised the economy during his tenure under difficult circumstances. The economy was derailed through the ‘London Plan’.”
