The issue of a possible PTI Budget Boycott has created fresh political tension in Pakistan after the party’s leadership warned that it may withdraw from the upcoming budget session if a meeting with its founder is not arranged. The statement was made during a heated National Assembly session on Wednesday.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said that if access to the party founder is not granted by the next day, the party would consider boycotting the budget proceedings. He argued that despite court orders, meetings have not been allowed for the past 34 weeks, raising serious concerns about parliamentary fairness.
The debate intensified inside the National Assembly when Speaker Ayaz Sadiq responded that production orders would have been issued if the party founder were an active member of the House. He also said repeated attempts had been made to bring the opposition and government together for dialogue, but cooperation had not been achieved.
The PTI Budget Boycott threat has added pressure on an already tense parliamentary environment. Opposition members criticized the government’s economic performance, calling the upcoming budget “non-public friendly” and arguing that rising inflation continues to burden citizens.
Barrister Gohar further said that parliamentary sessions are costly for the public exchequer, stating that each day of proceedings costs millions of rupees. He stressed that ensuring quorum and attendance is the government’s responsibility, and lawmakers should actively participate in democratic processes.
He also emphasized that the Prime Minister should regularly attend Parliament, listen to opposition concerns, and respond to public issues. According to him, a truly democratic government would not ignore parliamentary institutions or reduce their effectiveness.
The PTI Budget Boycott warning is expected to influence upcoming budget discussions as political tensions continue to rise. Analysts believe dialogue between government and opposition will be necessary to avoid further disruption in legislative proceedings.
