PTI's slams government over poor economy, governance and party crackdown

LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja on Thursday launched a sharp critique of the federal government, alleging worsening economic conditions, administrative failures and continued political victimisation of the party's leadership.

Addressing a press conference alongside PTI Lahore President Mian Usman Akram, Raja said his recent visit to Kahna in NA-123, the constituency of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, had highlighted the hardships faced by ordinary citizens and exposed what he described as serious governance failures.

Referring to the recent collapse of the roof of a private tuition centre that claimed the lives of 14 children, Raja said the tragedy underscored systemic shortcomings that had deprived underprivileged families of safe educational facilities and quality public services.

"The tragic loss of 14 young lives in their pursuit of education reflects the harsh reality of the existing system," he said, adding that PTI, under the leadership of its founder Imran Khan, would continue to raise the voice of disadvantaged communities both inside and outside Parliament.

Describing conditions in the prime minister's constituency, Raja claimed that residents were struggling with deteriorating civic infrastructure, including damaged roads and inadequate public facilities.

"This is the reality of a constituency represented by the prime minister himself," he said, alleging that the prevailing governance model had failed to address the basic needs of the people.

The PTI secretary general said that despite the presentation of five federal budgets by the incumbent government, the country continued to face rising economic hardship and declining living standards.

He maintained that PTI viewed itself not merely as a political party but as a social movement committed to standing with citizens facing financial and social challenges.

Citing what he described as findings of a World Bank report, Raja alleged that questions had been raised over federal government expenditure and claimed that appointments had been made in departments that were expected to be abolished under administrative reforms.

He further argued that the objectives of reducing the size of the federal government following the 18th Constitutional Amendment had not been achieved.

Expressing concern over the education sector, Raja claimed that nearly 40 per cent of Pakistan's children remained out of school, while many enrolled students continued to lack access to quality education.

He said PTI would continue expanding its public outreach and political activities despite what he described as state pressure and restrictions on the party.

Commenting on the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Raja alleged that residents were facing hardships, including internet shutdowns and restrictions, while also claiming that several people had lost their lives during recent developments.

The PTI leader also reiterated the party's position that former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were being held in what he termed politically motivated and unlawful cases.

Rejecting suggestions that PTI had become politically weakened, Raja said the party remained united and determined to continue its political struggle.

"We are standing firm and will not retreat. Victory will be ours, and that time is not far off," he said.