Daily Times

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government’s decision to seek loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been criticised by several lawmakers.

Reportedly, even the ruling party’s coalition partners have lambasted it for deciding to approach the IMF for more loans. This includes politicians from Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P). According to MQM-P leader Amir Khan, the party is finding it difficult to cooperate with PTI. “MQM will not always back the PTI up. Especially now since it has failed at providing relief to the common man,” expressed Amir Khan.

Meanwhile, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) founder Maulana Fazlur Rehman also disapproved of the current government. Criticising the ruling party, the JUI-F chief said that thanks to the policies introduced by the PTI, the stock markets were not performing well. He added that the country’s savings were dwindling as well. “Imran Khan is only good at spoiling the economy,” commented Rehman. “Increasing the prices of food items, goods and basic utilities will only create more difficulties for the common man,” he added.

Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) leader Sirajul Haq also criticised the ruling party’s decision to go to IMF for loans. He pointed out that seeking more loans from IMF would not just add to the country’s debt but also cause inflation. “PTI has yet to fulfil its promise of bringing ‘change’. No realistic steps have been taken yet,” said Sirajul Haq before adding that the citizens were already frustrated with the price hikes slapped on them.

“MQM-P is still waiting for the change that the PTI proposed. Clearly, the ruling party has failed in bringing about any substantial ‘change’ in the first 100 days,” said Amir Khan while

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) politician Barrister Murtaza Wahab also lambasted the PTI on its decision to opt for IMF loans. Wahab said that the PTI had created a confusing situation by raising the slogan of ‘change’. “It is typical of every new government to seek more loans by claiming that the country’s treasury is empty,” said the provincial advisor. Wahab said that taking loans would weaken the value of Pakistan’s currency and make things worse.

Published in Daily Times, October 11^th 2018.