Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has expressed his discontent with the government’s economic team, highlighting the absence of funds allocated for the 2022 flood victims in the recent federal budget presented by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.
In a recent development, Finance Minister Dar unveiled a budget of Rs14.5 trillion (approximately $50.5 billion) on June 9. However, concerns have been raised by various stakeholders regarding the economy’s future as over half of the budget is allocated to servicing a debt of Rs7.3 trillion.
Chairman Bilawal criticized the lack of representation from the PPP in the budget formulation process, stating, “The Peoples Party sent a high-level delegation to the prime minister yesterday to voice our concerns that the PPP had very little input in the budget.”
Bilawal further expressed his surprise and disappointment, revealing that no funds had been allocated to any province for flood reconstruction despite the federal government’s promises to the provincial governments last year.
He emphasized the significance of rehabilitating the flood victims for the country’s economic growth and directed his party members to communicate these concerns to the prime minister.
While acknowledging the prime minister’s intentions, Bilawal called for accountability within the government’s economic team, remarking, “Members of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s team are not fulfilling their promises, and the prime minister should hold them answerable.”
The PPP chairman warned that if the Pakistan Muslim League wants the PPP’s support for the budget, funds must be allocated for flood reconstruction.
Bilawal expressed hope that Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and other members of the government’s economic team would promptly address the PPP’s reservations regarding the budget.
Earlier, PPP MNA Nafeesa Shah criticized its ruling partner, PML-N, for presenting an “unrealistic” and “election-oriented budget.” She questioned the party’s intentions behind this populist move amid economic uncertainty.
During the budget debate in the meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, Shah highlighted the absence of the anticipated “tough decisions” promised by the Shehbaz Sharif-led government.
She expressed concerns about an impending economic storm, warning that Pakistan is under pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the economy will face further challenges in the days to come.
Concerns over Neglected 2022 Flood Victims and Unfulfilled Promises in the Federal Budget
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has raised serious concerns about the lack of funds allocated for the reconstruction of areas affected by the 2022 floods in the recently unveiled federal budget. PPP Chairman and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari criticized the government’s economic team, emphasizing the need for support to rehabilitate the flood victims.
The budget, presented by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on June 9, amounts to Rs14.5 trillion (approximately $50.5 billion). However, more than half of this budget is allocated to servicing the massive debt of Rs7.3 trillion, raising apprehensions about the country’s economic future.
Chairman Bilawal expressed his disappointment and surprise upon discovering that no funds were designated for any province to aid in flood reconstruction, despite promises made by the federal government to the provincial governments last year. He underlined the vital role of rehabilitating the flood victims in fostering economic growth.
In response to this issue, Bilawal instructed his party members to communicate the PPP’s concerns to the prime minister, urging him to address the situation. While he acknowledged the prime minister’s good intentions, Bilawal called for accountability within the government’s economic team, insisting that they fulfill their promises.
The PPP chairman cautioned that the party would not support the budget without proper allocation of funds for flood reconstruction, stating that it was essential for the Pakistan Muslim League to consider this if they wanted the PPP’s backing.
Bilawal expressed hope that Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and other members of the economic team would promptly address the reservations raised by the PPP regarding the budget.
Furthermore, PPP MNA Nafeesa Shah also criticized the ruling partner PML-N for presenting what she called an “unrealistic” and “election-oriented budget.” She questioned the motives behind this populist approach, particularly in light of the prevailing economic uncertainty.
During the budget debate at the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, Shah highlighted the lack of tough decisions promised by the Shehbaz Sharif-led government. She raised concerns about an impending economic storm, emphasizing the pressure exerted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Pakistan and warning of future economic troubles.
It is crucial for the government to address the concerns raised by the PPP and take necessary steps to allocate funds for the rehabilitation of the 2022 flood victims. By fulfilling their promises and ensuring transparency, the government can instill confidence in the public and contribute to the country’s overall economic stability and growth.