NA opposition leader assails budget’s ‘economic terrorism’ as debate opens on finance bill – Pakistan

Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly (NA) Omar Ayub on Thursday assailed the budget presented for fiscal year (FY) 2025 as “economic terrorism” against the people as debate opened on the finance bill.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presented his first federal budget with a total outlay of Rs18.9 trillion last week. The budget for the upcoming year aims for a modest 3.6 per cent GDP growth, and sets an ambitious Rs13tr tax collection target, raising taxes on salaried classes and removing tax exemptions for the rest.

Debate on the budget formally opened today in the NA after the Eidul Azha holidays with its passage planned for June 24. Ayub opened the debate with vociferous criticism of the budget.

His speech was muted several times as he lamented the alleged interference of the establishment.

“This budget is the story that began with vote ko izzat do (respect the vote) and ended with boot ko izzat do (respect the boot),” Ayub said while criticising the government.

“The budget is a fraud with the people. This is a highway robbery with the people of Pakistan. This budget in actuality is economic terrorism against the people and the future of the country,” he added.

Ayub alleged that the budget was made with the help of “economic hitmen who want to shake the foundation of this country”.

He further claimed that these same “economic hitmen” were also involved in the PTI’s ouster from power in April 2022.

More to follow.