ISLAMABAD: Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub, launched a sharp critique of the federal budget and government policies on Wednesday, accusing the ruling coalition of steering Pakistan toward economic ruin.
Speaking to reporters outside the Islamabad High Court (IHC), Ayub alleged that the government had “wrecked the economy,” citing the soaring petroleum levy and rising interest payments as clear indicators of fiscal mismanagement.
“The petroleum levy has now crossed Rs100 per litre,” he claimed. “In our tenure, it stood at just Rs20.”
He further stated that over half of the national budget is now devoted to debt servicing. “This is a failed budget. There’s been no salary increase for government employees, yet spending on the Prime Minister’s and President’s residences has risen,” Ayub noted.
Turning to legal proceedings involving former Prime Minister Imran Khan, often referred to by PTI members as “Bani,” Ayub expressed alarm over what he described as the manipulation of the judiciary. He pointed to the repeated restructuring of judicial benches as a troubling sign.
“We arrived at the Islamabad High Court on time, but the bail hearing for Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi did not take place. Judicial benches are being dismantled,” he said. “On June 5, the judge had directed NAB to produce its lawyer, but that has not happened.”
Ayub also criticized restrictions placed on Imran Khan in prison, claiming he is being denied access to fellow incarcerated party members—an act he called a breach of fundamental rights.
“We stand firmly with all our comrades who are behind bars,” he affirmed.
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