ISLAMABAD – June 11, 2025
Omar Ayub budget criticism: Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan has harshly criticized the federal budget, calling it a “complete failure.” He accused the ruling coalition of favoring the elite while ignoring the struggles of everyday Pakistanis.
Sharp Fuel Price Increase
Ayub condemned the petroleum levy, now exceeding Rs100 per litre. He compared it to Rs20 during the PTI government.
“This is economic cruelty,” he said. “It hurts transporters, small businesses, and households already battling inflation.”
Budget Prioritizes Debt, Ignores People
He expressed alarm over budget allocations, with over 50% going to debt servicing. Ayub warned that this leaves little for education, healthcare, or development.
“There’s no strategy—just poor management,” he emphasized.
Lavish Spending Amid Salary Freeze
While government employees saw no salary hike, Ayub pointed out large expenditures for the Prime Minister’s and President’s residences.
“The elite enjoy luxuries, while workers suffer,” he stated.
Ayub also spoke about former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s legal battles. He claimed that the Islamabad High Court delayed bail hearings without explanation.
“This is a deliberate move to block justice,” he said.
Alleged Denial of Basic Rights to PTI Detainees
The PTI leader also denounced the alleged mistreatment of imprisoned party members, saying that even basic rights such as visitation and communication are being denied.
“Imran Khan is not being allowed to meet other PTI leaders in jail. This is a violation of fundamental human rights and democratic norms,” he said. “We will not remain silent. We stand firmly with all our comrades who are being persecuted.”He condemned restrictions on jailed PTI leaders, saying they’re being denied visits and communication.
“These actions violate basic human rights,” he noted.
A Call for Awareness and Action
Omar Ayub urged the public to see through the government’s “cosmetic” budget and resist elite-driven policies.
“We will fight this injustice—in Parliament and beyond,” he declared.
