New budget is 'economic terrorism' against public: Omar Ayub

The PTI leader criticizes the government's decision to allocate loan money to privatised institutions

ISLAMABAD:

Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub, on Friday condemned the new fiscal year's budget, labelling it as "economic terrorism" against the people.

Speaking in the National Assembly, Ayub claimed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had admitted to forming the budget in collaboration with the IMF.

"I had called this budget the work of a hitman. This is economic terrorism against the people of Pakistan," asserted Ayub.

Continuing the criticism, Ayub stated "First, they imported wheat, and now they are preparing to sell the same wheat abroad. They have no understanding of economic fundamentals. Prices of oil, flour, and the dollar will rise. An economy cannot grow with a budget that undermines industries. Why are loans being given to privatized institutions?"

He further added "They have allocated 30 billion for privatization, but where are the rest of the privatization programs? The lack of a rule of law is deterring investment. Those who claim that inflation has decreased are blind."

Following this, Ayub criticized the state of law and order in the country, alleging that intelligence agencies are assaulting judges.

He pointed out that as caretaker Chief Minister, Mohsin Naqvi imported wheat worth 450 billion rupees, which was not subsequently purchased from local farmers.

Ayub underscored that billions were made from this import and called for an investigation by NAB into the matter.