PTI Rejects 'Charter of Economy' Proposal, Cites Past Failures

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has stated it will not participate in a Charter of Economy styled after the 2006 Charter of Democracy (CoD), following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s offer of dialogue with opposition parties.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, PTI leader Sardar Latif Khosa questioned the efficacy of the 2006 CoD, which was signed by Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif. Khosa claimed that none of its commitments were fulfilled and alleged that subsequent governments acted contrary to its spirit by weakening democratic norms, eroding judicial independence, manipulating electoral processes, restricting political freedoms, and undermining the overall democratic framework.

Khosa further stated that the PML-N formed a government despite securing 17 seats, while the PTI was denied power despite winning over 180 seats in general elections. He also claimed that PTI workers and leaders, including Imran Khan, his wife, and associates like Dr. Yasmin Rashid, have faced political victimization and hundreds of cases.

He expressed concern that the budget would negatively affect the national economy and deepen public suffering, questioning how revenue targets would be met after previous failures. Khosa warned that additional taxation would burden existing taxpayers and could push millions of lower- and middle-income families below the poverty line.

Taimur Khan Jhagra criticized the government for increasing the petroleum levy to Rs100 per liter, stating it would impact all societal segments. He argued that the government needed to reduce extravagant expenditures to put Pakistan on the path to prosperity. Jhagra rejected claims of economic recovery, citing a six percent decline in exports, a 26.5 percent drop in investment, and missed economic targets across key sectors.

Mobeen Arif Jutt stated that the government had not presented a clear strategy for broadening the tax base or including new taxpayers, noting that the ruling coalition was presenting its fifth budget without providing meaningful public relief. Rana Atif questioned claims of economic stabilization, asserting that the ruling coalition imposed unprecedented taxes over five years without implementing structural reforms.

Former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser claimed the government had "handed over the economy to the IMF," causing distress to farmers, industrialists, and other societal segments. He also stated that PTI was denied a level playing field in the Gilgit-Baltistan elections.

According to Dawn Pakistan, these statements were made on Sunday.