Jailed PTI leaders voice concern over economic policies amid Gulf conflict

LAHORE: Five senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders currently held in Kot Lakhpat Jail have raised concerns about the state of Pakistan’s economy, highlighting the lack of economic restructuring measures as the country faces rising oil and gas prices due to the ongoing Gulf conflict.

In an open letter shared by their counsel, Rana Mudassar Umer, PTI leaders Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry, Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed, and Omar Sarfraz Cheema warned that the macroeconomic stability achieved over the past three years—largely by imposing financial burdens on ordinary citizens—could be lost within the next three weeks if the Gulf conflict continues.

The letter stated that the uncertainty and the shock from increasing oil and gas prices have undermined the possibility of reaching a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The leaders further noted that the economic situation is making it increasingly difficult to meet the performance criteria set during the current fiscal year’s budget formulation.

They emphasized that Pakistan’s economy, already fragile, is being further strained by external shocks and the absence of timely economic reforms. The PTI leaders urged authorities to take immediate and effective measures to address the economic challenges facing the country.

The open letter reflects growing concerns among opposition figures regarding the government’s handling of economic issues, particularly in the context of global instability and its impact on Pakistan’s financial outlook.