ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has firmly rejected the federal budget for the fiscal year 2025–26, labeling it as dictated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The announcement came after a heated protest during Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb’s budget speech in the National Assembly on Tuesday.
PTI leaders claimed the budget unfairly burdens the salaried class and farmers, contradicting the government’s narrative of economic relief.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, through his sister Aleema Khan, voiced serious concerns about the additional financial strain the budget would place on vulnerable sectors.
He directed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to coordinate with the party’s economic team to ensure that KP’s provincial budget remains tax-free.
Criticism Over Tax Measures and Relief Claims
PTI members denounced the government’s assertions of offering relief, highlighting a proposed 20% tax on bank deposits and increased petroleum and carbon levies as clear evidence to the contrary.
They also accused the government of granting Rs5 trillion in tax exemptions to elite groups, worsening income inequality.
The party argued that these steps nullify any benefit from nominal income tax reductions.
Government Defends Budget Structure
In defense, Finance Minister Aurangzeb maintained that the budget offers targeted relief by cutting income tax rates for middle- and high-income brackets by up to 4%.
He explained that the proposed measures aim to adjust salaries in line with inflation while streamlining the tax code.
The government insisted that its approach balances fiscal responsibility with taxpayer relief.
Despite these assurances, political tensions remain high, and PTI continues to frame the FY26 budget as a product of external pressure rather than internal economic vision.
