Former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail has raised concerns about the government’s latest budget, saying it clearly favors the wealthy while putting more burden on the poor.
He pointed out that luxury goods such as Land Cruisers, Range Rovers, imported perfumes, and smoked salmon have become cheaper under the new budget. At the same time, the government has placed a new excise duty on one-day-old chicks, which are a low-cost source of protein for millions of people in Pakistan.
Miftah questioned the government’s priorities, saying it’s difficult to understand how these choices are in the interest of ordinary citizens. According to him, making luxury items more affordable while increasing costs for basic food items sends the wrong message and widens the gap between rich and poor.
His comments have sparked debate on social media, where many people are expressing frustration about the economic direction of the country. Citizens are questioning why policies seem to protect the interests of the elite, while working-class families struggle to meet their basic needs.
Miftah Ismail’s criticism has added to growing public pressure on the government to rethink its economic strategy and focus more on policies that support everyday people. As the cost of living continues to rise, many are demanding more fair and balanced decisions that can provide relief to the poor, not just benefits to the wealthy.
The debate continues, as people call for more transparency and accountability in how budget decisions are made.
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