On Saturday, Mufti Taqi Usmani, a prominent Islamic scholar, called for a nationwide movement to end the reliance on imported goods. Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, Usmani expressed concern over the negative effects of luxury imports on Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves and criticized the government’s acquiescence to the conditions imposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
He emphasized that the responsibility for change does not rest solely with the government but also with the public and the business community. According to Usmani, if both traders and consumers collectively decide to stop using imported products, the flow of these goods will diminish, necessitating a shift in economic practices.
“If traders and people resolve not to use imported goods, those goods will cease to enter the country,” Usmani remarked.
In addressing the current political and economic turmoil, Usmani lamented Pakistan’s reliance on the IMF, which he believes hinders the government from implementing import bans. “We are enslaved by the IMF. This dependency has bound our nation and burdened every citizen,” he said. He criticized the ongoing import of luxury and non-essential items, arguing that they deplete valuable foreign exchange and benefit nations antagonistic to Pakistan.
Usmani also noted the irony of Pakistan’s situation given its rich natural resources. He questioned why, despite these resources, the country has not advanced infrastructure development, such as road and railway construction, beyond the legacy of British colonial rulers. “We have not laid a single railway line since the British. Where did we go astray?” Usmani questioned.
His critique extended to the political arena, where he observed that allegations of election rigging and fraud contribute to persistent instability. Usmani urged the business community, which he regards as vital to the nation, to advocate for more effective and ethical policies from politicians.
“The business community must come together and demand change. Only then can we hope for politics that serve the nation’s interests,” he suggested.
