Imran Khan calls for nationwide protest against ‘anti-people’ budget

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has called for a nationwide protest against the federal budget, which he termed as “anti-people” and damaging to the country’s economy.

The jailed former prime minister conveyed his message through his sisters, Aleema Khan and Noreen Khan, after their meeting with him in Adiala Jail. Speaking to reporters outside, Aleema said that Imran Khan believes the new budget will once again burden two major segments of society, the salaried class and farmers.

She claimed that in contrast, the PTI-led government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is preparing a tax-free budget to provide relief to the public.

Khan, through his sisters, urged the nation to gear up for a protest movement. “There will be protests across the country,” Aleema announced, adding that Imran sees his imprisonment as a sacrifice for the people and believes the Constitution was undermined after the 26th Amendment.

Budget volume likely to squeeze, defence budget likely to expand

Reasserting his authority over party decisions, Khan reportedly said, “I am still the head of the party. No budget can be finalised without my input.” According to Aleema, Imran has instructed KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to ensure PTI’s economic team is consulted on the federal budget, but the government is avoiding this out of fear.

She also quoted Imran as saying that even the IMF has recommended that the government take the opposition on board, especially PTI, during budget consultations.