Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Omar Ayub has voiced strong opposition to the government’s anticipated “mini-budget,” warning that it would exacerbate Pakistan’s economic challenges and impact the public’s ability to afford basic necessities. Speaking in Peshawar, Ayub, who serves as the opposition leader in the National Assembly, argued that the government is failing to meet the International Monetary Fund (IMF) targets, leading to heightened inflation and financial strain.
An urgent IMF mission is expected to arrive in Islamabad next week to urge the government to implement a mini-budget to address “deviations” in the country’s economic performance targets. The visit was prompted by recent virtual meetings where Pakistani authorities were unable to assure the IMF of their commitment to necessary reforms, according to sources cited by The News.
Ayub described the country’s economic conditions as a “flood of inflation,” citing the erosion of citizens’ purchasing power amid an 8.7% inflation rate for the current fiscal year. The IMF has projected an average inflation rate of 9.5% by June, and while the finance ministry anticipates a decrease to 5.5-6.5% in November, analysts warn inflation could rise again in 2025 due to increasing electricity prices and tax measures set to take effect in January.
Ayub also raised concerns over conditions faced by PTI’s founder, Imran Khan, in prison, alleging a lack of basic amenities. He further condemned the detention of senior PTI leader Azam Swati on what he described as “unfounded” charges.
Despite these challenges, Ayub affirmed that PTI remains committed to organising democratic protests against what he labelled as the government’s mismanagement of national issues.