- Former PML-N leaders Miftah Ismail and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi criticize the tax-heavy Budget 2024-25 in a joint press conference.
- Abbasi announces the launch of the new political party, Awaam Pakistan, on July 6.
- Information Minister Attaullah Tarar defends the budget and government measures, highlighting reduced inflation and denied allegations of unnecessary expenditures.
ISLAMABAD: In an unusual public confrontation, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar clashed with former Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders Miftah Ismail and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi over the tax-heavy Budget 2024-25.
Joint Press Conference Critique
During a joint press conference, Abbasi and Ismail criticized the Shehbaz Sharif-led government, claiming that the budget would be ineffective. Abbasi, a former prime minister, stated that the country couldn’t progress without taxing powerful segments and called for an end to fund misappropriation. He emphasized that all ruling coalition parties were responsible for the tax-heavy budget.
New Political Party Launch
Last month, Miftah Ismail announced the launch date for the new party, Awaam Pakistan, led by Abbasi. The party will be officially launched on July 6 in Islamabad, with Abbasi as its first convener.
Budget and Economic Concerns
Abbasi questioned the high electricity and gas tariffs compared to other regional countries, asking how this would attract foreign investment. He urged Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to privatize power distribution companies and reduce expenses to address the economic crisis.
Miftah Ismail criticized the government for exploiting the middle class, questioning whether the IMF had instructed to provide Rs600 billion to MNAs or to spend 24% of the GDP on unnecessary expenditures. He also opposed the 10% surcharge on high-earning individuals and criticized tax exemptions for industries in merged areas of erstwhile FATA.
Government’s Response
In response, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar defended the government’s actions, blaming Miftah Ismail for previous high inflation. He claimed that the government had reduced expenses significantly and denied the accusation of allocating Rs500 billion to MNAs for development. He highlighted that PM Shehbaz and cabinet members neither draw salaries nor enjoy privileges. According to Tarar, inflation had decreased from 38% to 11% in one year.
