Latest news with #PakistanTehreek-e-Insaf
Express Tribune
14 hours ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
PTI chief's order stalls K-P budget
A directive from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Patron-in-Chief not to approve the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) budget without prior consultation with him has become a serious constitutional and administrative challenge for the provincial government. The government now finds itself caught between the leader's directive and constitutional obligations. According to the schedule, the K-P budget must be approved by June 24. Failure to do so before the end of the current fiscal year could empower the Governor to ask the Chief Minister to seek a vote of confidence, or even advise the President to impose economic emergency under Article 234 of the Constitution. The government has held multiple sessions with constitutional experts to resolve the impasse, but no breakthrough has been achieved so far. The PTI Patron-in-Chief had expressed a desire to meet with K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Finance Advisor Muzzammil Aslam, and other economic experts regarding the budget. However, prison authorities allowed him to meet only the chief minister. In response, the PTI leader issued strict instructions: no budget approval without full consultation with economic advisors. Although the budget has been presented in the K-P Assembly, the party leadership has yet to be consulted. Chief Minister Gandapur has reiterated his stance that the budget will not be passed without explicit approval from the party chief. As debate on the budget continues, approval of departmental demands for grants is scheduled to begin today. According to parliamentary procedures, approving these demands effectively means passing the budget. Meanwhile, the government has again consulted legal experts. Constitutional experts warn that if the budget is not passed by June 30, it would be considered a failure of the government. Under such circumstances, the Governor can invoke Article 234 and advise the President to impose economic emergency, citing both financial and constitutional crises. Additionally, the Governor may direct the Chief Minister to seek a vote of confidence, and the President could refer the matter to the National Assembly. Law Minister Aftab Alam told The Express Tribune that the government is trying its best to ensure timely budget approval in accordance with the schedule. However, he emphasized that the PTI leader's directive stands: no approval without prior consultation. He warned that if a crisis emerges, the federal government would bear responsibility for denying access to the party leadership. The Provincial Assembly Secretariat, when contacted, stated that it is following the approved schedule, and it is the government's responsibility to ensure the budget's timely passage.
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
PTI warns oil reserves may run out in 10-12 days
ISLAMABAD: The opposition leader in National Assembly Omar Ayub on Wednesday issued a stark warning that the country's oil reserves could run dry in just 10 to 12 days, underscoring what he called the government's catastrophic economic collapse and ruthless political manoeuvring. Speaking at a presser flanked by senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Asad Qaiser, Senator Ali Zafar, Zartaj Gul, and others, Ayub tore into the government's 'flawed and inflation-fuelling' budget – accusing it of squeezing citizens with billions in fresh taxes while bungling the nation's already precarious finances. He further revealed a jaw-dropping admission by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) of a multi-billion-rupee miscalculation – a fiscal blunder that threatens to deepen the country's economic abyss. Ayub also alleged the government continues to conspire against PTI lawmakers despite 'stealing' the February 2024 general elections and riding to power on a rigged mandate. 'The installed regime of Shehbaz Sharif remains obsessed with election rigging,' Ayub declared, pointing to the Punjab Police's blatant manipulation during the recent by-elections in Sialkot to favour a government-backed candidate – an act he branded as 'shameful' and a direct assault on democracy. The opposition leader did not hold back on the government's crackdown on dissent either, accusing it of stifling opposition voices and tightening control over the media – highlighted by the censorship of PTI lawmakers' speeches during the budget debate and blackouts of press conferences on critical national issues, especially the faltering economy. In a dramatic revelation, Ayub disclosed that three of his nomination papers were mysteriously rejected ahead of the last year's polls and alleged that election results were tampered with after 2am – a blatant undermining of democratic norms. Asad Qaiser condemned the current administration as 'born out of Form-47 manipulation,' blasting the government's media blackout of opposition members while ruling party officials bask in prime airtime. Senator Ali Zafar added to the chorus, warning that even the Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani is being sidelined in what he described as a 'serious institutional meltdown.' Meanwhile, PTI launched a scathing attack on the government's targeting of former Prime Minister Imran Khan's family – particularly his wife, Bushra Bibi – while dismissing the recent visits by foreign delegations as mere 'luxury trips' that delivered no tangible benefits to Pakistan. With jail terms dragging on for key PTI figures, including cancer patient Dr Yasmin Rashid, PTI leaders vowed to fight back hard, pledging to win the ongoing battle for 'real independence' as envisioned by the jailed party founding chairman, Imran Khan. In a separate presser, PTI spokesman Sheikh Waqas Akram, alongside MNAs Usman Mela and Mubeen Jutt, raised concerns over Pakistan's widening primary income deficit and escalating national debt. Citing economic reports, Akram said the deficit, currently estimated at $7.1 billion annually, is being driven by increased profit repatriation by foreign companies and declining returns from Pakistani firms abroad. This growing gap, he warned, is intensifying pressure on the country's external accounts. Mubeen Jutt claimed that Pakistan's total debt has surged to Rs76 trillion, up from Rs44 trillion three years ago when PTI was in power. He said that domestic banks now hold Rs51 trillion of this debt, while foreign banks account for Rs25 trillion. According to Jutt, annual interest payments total Rs7.5 trillion to local banks and Rs800 billion to foreign banks. Despite the central bank's policy rate being slashed from 22 per cent to 11 per cent and maintained at that level, domestic debt remains elevated – raising alarm among economists. Usman Mela criticised the recent budget's tax measures, which reduced levies on banks lending to the government but increased taxes on individual loans. 'The average borrower now faces a tax rate of 25%, up from 10%,' he said, calling the policy regressive. He noted domestic debt has nearly doubled from Rs28 trillion prior to the IMF programme to Rs51 trillion. While a three per cent interest rate cut could save Rs1 trillion annually, projected savings remain limited, with Rs7 trillion in interest payments expected this year. 'There appears to be disproportionate benefit to banks, with ordinary citizens effectively paying much higher rates,' Mela said, also questioning official projections of 9% industrial growth, citing a lack of on-ground expansion. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PTI criticises VIP vehicle spending
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has criticised the Punjab government for approving the purchase of hundreds of high-end vehicles for officials amid ongoing economic hardship and underfunded public services. In an statement, the party said the government has allocated over Rs2.1 billion for 283 official vehicles, including 10 bulletproof vehicles costing Rs500 million for senior police officers, 48 protocol vehicles priced at Rs900 million and 76 cars for ministers and senior bureaucrats at an estimated Rs710 million. Additional spending on fuel and maintenance will also be required. The PTI said the spending reflects a "growing disconnect" between the leadership and the people of Punjab who continue to face inflation, unemployment and deteriorating public services. It highlighted significant increases in allocations for elite government offices. The budget for the Governor House has increased by 870 per cent to Rs1.53 billion, while allocations for provincial ministers have more than tripled to Rs1.07 billion, it stated. The Chief Minister's Office received a 19% hike to Rs1.46 billion, and the Punjab Assembly's budget rose 47% to Rs7.38 billion. The commissioners' offices reportedly overspent Rs319 million during current financial year and are now allocated Rs1.85 billion for the next fiscal year. The Chief Minister's Inspection Team's budget also increased by 26% following unauthorised spending of Rs182 million. "These spending patterns are a political indictment of the government's misplaced priorities," the PTI said. "While basic sectors like health, education, and agriculture remain underfunded, public officials are rewarding themselves with expensive perks." The party also criticised the chief minister's prolonged absence from the assembly despite a growing budget for her office, calling it a "symbol of the administration's lack of accountability". The party demanded a forensic audit by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) into the luxury vehicle purchases and the associated budget increases. It called for immediate reversal of unauthorised expenditures and legal action against those responsible for diverting public resources.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Funds allocated for NA-53 projects
The government has approved significant funding for the completion of development projects initiated during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) era, including hospitals and infrastructure schemes in NA-53, said Member of the National Assembly and Chairman District Coordination Committee Rawalpindi, Engineer Qamarul Islam Raja. Sharing details of the approved projects for the fiscal year 2025-26, the MNA said that Rs210 million have been allocated for Jorian Hospital and Rs110 million for Potohar Town Rawat Hospital, covering all remaining funds needed to complete both medical facilities. He further announced that Rs450 million have been sanctioned for completing the remaining portion of Adiala Road from Khawaja Corporation to Gorakhpur, while Rs2.3 billion have been approved for the construction of a dual carriageway from Gorakhpur to Khasala Khurd. To improve connectivity in the region, an additional Rs1.7 billion have been approved for a new underpass at Tulsa Morr on Adiala Road, following the Rs3.5 billion Khawaja Corporation Flyover. In a revival of water infrastructure projects, the Rs1.8 billion Mujahid Dam project has also received approval, following the earlier Mohata Dam initiative. Raja said efforts are underway to ensure additional funds are allocated within the current fiscal year to enable the dam's completion in FY 2026. A sum of Rs20 million has been approved for the construction of the Chora Sharif to Malukal Road. Similarly, Rs150 million have been allocated for the Dhok Budhal to Sukho Road, which will provide a direct connection between Rawat and Chakwal Road. To ensure there are no delays after the completion of Daducha Dam, Rs10 million have been set aside for the design and paperwork of the water supply system, enabling its immediate implementation. The MNA further stated that a total of Rs60 million has been allocated for the water supply schemes in Mohri Ghazan, Lakhan, and Dhamial. An amount of Rs30 million has been set aside for the development of the Kulyan HameedMalukal Road. Additionally, Rs70 million have been approved for the revival of the Dhok Budhal Water Supply Scheme, as well as for street construction and drainage work. Approximately Rs28 million will be used for the rehabilitation of the Malukal Water Supply Scheme and associated drainage infrastructure. For street construction and drainage in Mauza Jorian, Union Council Dhamial, Rs15 million have been sanctioned. Moreover, the remaining Rs9 billion required for the Rawalpindi Ring Road project will be released immediately, said the MNA.
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
Trump to meet Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir over lunch amid Mideast crisis
General Asim Munir's US visit is marked by protests from Pakistani activists, even as he is scheduled to meet with President Trump for lunch. The protests highlight concerns over Munir's actions in Pakistan. Simultaneously, Trump is escalating tensions with Iran, demanding unconditional surrender amidst ongoing conflict in West Asia, a situation complicated by Pakistan's support for Iran. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir over lunch on Wednesday. A White House itinerary of President Trump for Wednesday shows his lunch meeting with the General Munir is currently on a visit to the United States. On Monday, he was met with protests by overseas Pakistanis and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters in Washington, D.C. Videos circulating on social media show demonstrators chanting slogans such as 'Pakistanio ke Qatil' and 'Islamabad ke Qatil' during an event welcoming Imtiaz Hussain, who identifies herself on X as Executive Director of The Alliance Organisation, posted a video of the protest, saying, 'We're here to protest the criminal dictator of Pakistan. Shame on every bootlicker who showed up in support of fascism—you didn't just betray democracy; you spit on the suffering of millions.'PTI USA also shared protest footage, stating, 'Pakistani-Americans in Washington, DC are protesting outside the Four Seasons hotel, reminding General Asim Munir of the crimes he's committed against the people of Pakistan.'The meeting between Trump and Munir comes at a tense moment globally, with the US President focused on the escalating crisis in West Asia. On Tuesday, Trump took to Truth Social, demanding an 'unconditional surrender' from Iran. He claimed the US had 'complete and total control of the skies over Iran' and knew 'exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding,' warning, 'our patience is wearing thin,' before posting: 'UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!'In contrast, General Munir has expressed support for Iran. In a recent speech in Washington, he said Pakistan stands with Iran and hopes for a swift resolution to the backdrop to these developments includes a series of Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites, followed by retaliatory attacks from Tehran. Trump has reiterated his support for Israel and has repeatedly stressed that Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear Pakistan Army chief Gen Asim Munir spewed venom against India and Hindus just weeks before the Pahalgam attack, in which several tourists were killed by terrorists, to emphasise that Islamabad's approach has been to "bleed India by thousand cuts".In May, Pakistan's federal cabinet approved the elevation of Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal—only the second time in the country's history such a title has been conferred. The decision comes despite acknowledged military and strategic setbacks during the recent conflict with to Dawn, the government cited Munir's leadership in Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and the Indo-Pak confrontation, dubbed Marka-i-Haq, as justification for the rare military analysts have pointed to failures during the operation, the Pakistani government portrayed the outcome as a 'historic victory,' praising General Munir's role in the Munir now joins the ranks of Field Marshal Ayub Khan—Pakistan's first and only other officer to hold the title. Ayub, who seized power in a 1958 military coup and later became President, had conferred the rank upon himself following his assumption of office.
