Govt, SBP behaving like IMF agents: JI

Demands of government to release containers at ports instead of issuing mere statements

KARACHI:

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi Ameer Engineer Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman has lambasted the federal government and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) for mishandling the prevailing economic crises in the country.

The JI leader demanded of the prime minister to issue orders for immediate release of containers stranded at ports.

Addressing a press conference held at Idara Noor-e-Haq, the JI headquarter on Tuesday, the JI leader said that the 77-member gigantic cabinet and import of 178 luxurious cars at a time when threats of economic defaults are looming over the country, shows the level of non-seriousness by the coalition government in the centre.

Naeem was flanked by representatives of almost all the trade and industry associations as well as those representing cotton and fashion industries, including Site Association, Federal B Area Association of Trade and Industry, Korangi Association of Trade and Industry, Pakistan Business Forum and others.

He said that both the federal government and the top bank in the country were behaving like agents of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

"It seems that the government considers the programmes and loans by the IMF and other international monetary organisations as a last resort to address the prevailing crises," he said.

He further said that the ruling regime in the country and the previous regime both played significant role in worsening the economic situation but both have the audacity to play blame games.

The government was increasing prices of fuel, electricity and other necessities for common men but it was unable to impose taxation on the feudal lords and ultra-rich segment of the society, he said.

Naeem added that the government was not bringing any cut to perks and privileges of its ministers, assistants and the privileged class.

While talking about the stranded containers, he said that the illogical policies have further complicated the situation.

He demanded of the government to release all the containers immediately as otherwise it will be tantamount to spoil medicines and eatables.

He demanded of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to invite all industrial stakeholders for consultations to get rid of the prevailing situation.

On the occasion, he also demanded the government to provide gas supply to the Sindh province as per royalty laws.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 1^st, 2023.