Opposition erupts over budget, calls it “economic burden”

Opposition leaders have strongly rejected the federal budget, accusing the government of worsening economic hardships, increasing poverty,

ISLAMABAD: Opposition leaders have strongly rejected the federal budget, accusing the government of worsening economic hardships, increasing poverty, and relying heavily on taxation and debt.

Speaking at a budget seminar in Islamabad, Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas said the government was “deceiving itself” by ignoring ground realities. He criticised official claims regarding poverty levels and said the public was being “crushed under rising prices.”

He added that the country’s income is lower than its expenditures and warned that continued financial mismanagement could deepen the economic crisis. He also cautioned that holding elections under the current system could lead to further political instability.

Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan leader Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar said the budget cannot succeed unless public problems are addressed. He stressed that economic growth has no meaning if it does not improve people’s lives.

Khokhar said the tax system is ineffective without proper public services. He added that citizens should receive basic facilities in return for the taxes they pay.

He also criticised rising government spending, saying the burden on low-income groups continues to increase while reforms remain limited.

PTI senior leader Salman Akram Raja described the budget as an “economic emergency,” warning that Pakistan is trapped in debt and rising interest payments. He said the government’s claims of development do not match reality.

He added that investment in health and education remains insufficient and called for major structural reforms to address the economic crisis.

Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said the country’s economic condition has worsened over the past four years. He said debt servicing and pension costs are rising faster than revenue, while development spending is declining.

Abbasi warned that Pakistan is increasingly dependent on loans to meet basic expenses. He said this trend is unsustainable and requires urgent reforms, including ensuring rule of law and policy stability to attract investment.

Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman also criticised the budget, calling it a “numbers game” that offers no real relief to the public. He said the tax burden on ordinary citizens has increased significantly.

He demanded the abolition of the petroleum levy and power sector charges, along with cuts in unnecessary government expenditures.

Meanwhile, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar defended the budget, calling it “relief-oriented” and aimed at benefiting all segments of society.

He said the government has provided relief to the salaried class, including zero tax for lower-income groups and a reduced tax rate for middle-income earners.

Tarar said the economy has stabilised due to government policies and reforms. He added that Pakistan is now on a path of growth and development.

He also highlighted reforms in the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), saying efforts are being made to ensure tax compliance and reduce the burden on honest taxpayers.

The budget debate continues as both government and opposition present sharply contrasting views on the country’s economic direction.