Pakistan’s Government Faces Criticism Over New Budget

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government faced severe backlash in the National Assembly over the new federal budget. Lawmakers, including those from the ruling party, criticized Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb for presenting a budget influenced by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), a key coalition partner, protested by only having a token participation in the debate. They were upset over the alleged violation of an agreement made during the formation of the government and for not being consulted on the budget preparation.

Despite reports of a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to resolve issues, the PPP continued its protest. Five PML-N members also participated in the debate but did not support the government’s economic policies, complaining about not being consulted.

Opposition members from the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) criticized the government for political victimization and demanded the release of PTI founder Imran Khan and other jailed party activists. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended the session briefly, but the absence of many ministers drew criticism from lawmakers on both sides.

Lawmakers criticized the finance minister for indirect taxation and burdening the salaried class, including imposing sales tax on items like stationery, books, packed milk, and medical equipment. Many termed it an ‘IMF-dictated budget’ aimed at appeasing foreign lenders to secure more loans.