ISLAMABAD: Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has lashed out at the federal budget, claiming it was crafted to satisfy international financial institutions rather than address the needs of the Pakistani people.
Speaking to the media outside an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Saturday, the former interior minister criticized the government’s financial strategy, calling it a “budget of debt.”
“When the person presenting the budget himself admits it’s based on debt, what more is left to say?” Rashid remarked.
He accused the government of neglecting the poor and favoring lenders over local welfare.
Budget Criticism Rooted in Debt Concerns
Sheikh Rashid argued that the current economic policies demonstrate complete alignment with the conditions set by global lenders.
He stressed that the budget lacks relief for the common man and only reflects the will of institutions like the IMF.
“This is not a people’s budget; this is a creditors’ budget,” he stated.
He also warned that relying excessively on loans would drive the economy into deeper trouble.
On Israel-Iran Conflict
Touching on foreign policy, Sheikh Rashid condemned Israel’s strikes on Iran, calling them a blatant violation of international law.
He asserted that the entire Pakistani nation stands with Iran in the face of aggression.
“We believe Iran is in the right. Every Muslim child in Pakistan supports Iran. Retaliation is their right,” he declared.
Rashid’s remarks come as regional tensions escalate and Pakistan faces mounting pressure to take a diplomatic stance.
