PTI leaders criticize government over economic decline, security failures
As the government marked one year of its performance, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leaders on Wednesday accused it of mismanagement, claiming that the economy, service sector, and law and order situation were deteriorating due to governance failures and intelligence lapses.
They asserted that conditions would only improve if governance was handed over to the “true representatives of the people.”
Economic and Fiscal Concerns
Speaking at a press conference, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan alleged that the federal government owed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rs1.2 trillion. He also accused authorities of deliberately avoiding a Council of Common Interests (CCI) session to deprive Sindh of its fair share of resources, claiming that Sindh’s water was being diverted to Punjab.
Mr. Khan further stated that Pakistan’s foreign reserves stood at only $11 billion, with a portion allegedly purchased by the federal government from the open market.
He also criticized the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), pointing out that only Rs92 billion—just 10% of the allocated funds—had been utilized, despite the fiscal year nearing its end.
Additionally, he questioned the government’s fiscal policies, highlighting Rs850 billion in losses from state-owned enterprises and criticizing the establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), demanding transparency regarding its personnel and qualifications.
Security and Intelligence Failures
The opposition leader warned of worsening security conditions nationwide, particularly in Balochistan, where even ruling party parliamentarians admitted that the situation was beyond control.
“People in Balochistan, especially the youth, are expressing their desire to determine their own future. Young officers are sacrificing their lives, yet there is an intelligence failure. Out of 13 intelligence agencies, five are busy pursuing PTI workers instead of addressing security concerns,” he claimed.
Mr. Khan demanded an independent commission to investigate security failures, insisting that those responsible be held accountable. He also linked Pakistan’s lack of foreign investment to the ongoing security issues.
‘Stolen Mandate’ and Governance Crisis
Senate Opposition Leader Shibli Faraz reiterated PTI’s claim that the 2023 general elections were rigged, arguing that governance problems stem from an “imposed” administration that lacks legitimacy.
“Incompetent individuals occupy key positions. We need the rule of law; otherwise, no one will invest in Pakistan,” he stated.
Similarly, Sanaullah Khan Mastikhel criticized the government for celebrating its first year, arguing that it had failed to secure a genuine public mandate.
Rising Inflation and Public Hardship
Legal expert Salman Akram Raja, speaking as a common citizen, compared current and past prices of essential goods.
- Flour: Rs60/kg (March 2022) → Rs100/kg
- Rice: Rs150/kg → Rs240/kg
- Eggs: Rs150/dozen → Rs300/dozen
- Milk, oil, sugar, and pulses also saw 70-80% price hikes, while wages stagnated.
He lamented that 20 million people had fallen below the poverty line, citing government reports.
Imran Khan’s Legal Representation Blocked?
Meanwhile, PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram alleged that prison authorities were obstructing the signing of Imran Khan’s vakalatnama—a document authorizing a lawyer to represent a client in court.
He claimed that Advocate Shoaib Shaheen had submitted three attorney letters at Adiala Jail, but officials delayed the process and sent him back without signed documents.
