Mufti Nauman Naeem urges government to prepare budget based on public needs rather than IMF conditions

Mufti Nauman Naeem, the rector of Jamia Binoria Karachi, has called on the government to formulate the national budget

Mufti Nauman Naeem, the rector of Jamia Binoria Karachi, has called on the government to formulate the national budget according to the needs and welfare of ordinary citizens rather than focusing solely on conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He emphasized that economic policies should prioritize the well-being of the people, particularly low-income and vulnerable segments of society.

In a statement, Mufti Nauman Naeem said that the country’s budget should reflect the realities faced by millions of Pakistanis who are struggling with rising inflation, unemployment, and increasing living costs. He stressed that the primary objective of any economic plan should be to provide relief to the public and support sustainable development that benefits all sections of society.

The religious scholar highlighted that Islamic principles of economic justice offer a strong foundation for long-term prosperity and social stability. According to him, an economic system based on fairness, accountability, and equitable distribution of resources can help reduce poverty and strengthen public confidence in state institutions. He argued that true and lasting development can only be achieved when economic growth is accompanied by social justice and equal opportunities for all citizens.

Mufti Nauman Naeem further stated that policymakers should ensure that budgetary decisions are made with the interests of the common people in mind. He emphasized the importance of allocating adequate resources to critical sectors such as education, healthcare, employment generation, and social welfare programs. Such investments, he said, would improve the quality of life for citizens and contribute to the country’s overall progress.

He also called for a reduction in unnecessary government expenditures and urged authorities to reconsider extravagant styles of governance. According to him, excessive spending on non-essential administrative and official expenses places an additional burden on the national treasury and limits the government’s ability to address pressing public needs. By curbing wasteful expenditures, more resources could be directed toward development projects and public welfare initiatives.

The rector noted that financial discipline and responsible governance are essential for economic stability. He encouraged government officials to adopt a more modest and accountable approach to public spending, ensuring that taxpayer money is utilized efficiently and transparently.

Mufti Nauman Naeem also emphasized that economic reforms should be designed in a way that protects weaker sections of society from additional hardship. He stressed that policies leading to higher costs of living without adequate relief measures could further increase economic challenges for ordinary families.

Concluding his remarks, he reiterated that Pakistan’s economic future depends on policies rooted in justice, public welfare, and responsible governance. He urged decision-makers to prepare a people-centered budget that addresses the concerns of the poor and middle class, promotes economic fairness, and lays the groundwork for sustainable national development. Such an approach, he said, would not only strengthen the economy but also enhance social harmony and public trust.