Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly (NA), Omar Ayub, strongly criticized the fiscal year 2025 budget as he opened the debate on the finance bill following the Eidul Azha holidays.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presented the budget last week, amounting to Rs18.9 trillion, targeting a 3.6% GDP growth and aiming for a Rs13 trillion tax collection, including higher taxes for salaried classes and removal of tax exemptions.
Ayub labeled the budget as “economic terrorism” against the people and the country’s future, alleging it was crafted with the aid of “economic hitmen” aiming to destabilize Pakistan. He also accused these figures of orchestrating the PTI’s removal from power earlier. Ayub criticized the lack of investor trust due to perceived lawlessness and noted IMF directives that the government failed to heed.
While acknowledging Finance Minister Aurangzeb’s professionalism, Ayub claimed his influence was undermined, citing his removal from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) chairmanship in favor of Senator Ishaq Dar. He characterized Dar’s involvement as indicative of familial interests overshadowing public welfare.
Ayub questioned the PPP’s stance on the budget, suggesting divisions within the party and predicting the budget’s failure to pass due to its alleged illegality and adverse impact on the populace. He painted a bleak economic outlook under stringent IMF conditions, criticizing the government for limiting its maneuverability and forecasting imminent hardships without intervention.
Ayub concluded by invoking support for PTI founder Imran Khan amid national challenges, contrasting it with what he perceived as diminishing confidence in the current administration. He also condemned Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal’s remarks about Imran’s potential imprisonment till 2029, warning of repercussions for such statements.
