Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Slams Budget as “Economic Terrorism”
As the debate on the finance bill for fiscal year 2025 began in the National Assembly, Leader of the Opposition Omar Ayub criticized the budget as “economic terrorism” against the people of Pakistan. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb’s budget, featuring a total outlay of Rs18.9 trillion, aims for a 3.6% GDP growth and a Rs13 trillion tax collection target.
Ayub accused the government of undermining Aurangzeb and criticized the alleged interference of the establishment in economic decisions. He claimed that the budget was designed by “economic hitmen” to harm the nation’s future and accused them of being responsible for the government’s ouster in 2022.
Additionally, Ayub questioned the government’s ability to pass the budget, citing the lack of support from other political parties. He emphasized the importance of trust and rule of law for investors, warning that the budget’s passage was uncertain due to its anti-people nature and constraints imposed by IMF stipulations.
The opposition leader concluded by reaffirming support for former premier Imran Khan and criticizing Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal’s remarks about keeping Imran in jail until 2029.