Former finance minister Asad Umar has raised serious concerns over Pakistan’s current political and economic trajectory, stating that the country is trapped in a “dangerous political quagmire.” Speaking to the media on Monday, he emphasized that all political parties must collaborate to find a sustainable solution. He rejected PML-N’s narrative of sacrificing politics for the state, asserting that the real issue lies in flawed governance rather than a weakened state.
Umar heavily criticized the federal budget, pointing out glaring inequalities in taxation. He revealed that salaried individuals were burdened with Rs. 1,500 billion in taxes, while the trader class contributed a mere Rs. 100 million. He also condemned the proposed Rs. 90 per liter tax on petroleum and a new carbon levy, accusing the government of artificially reducing the deficit by taking Rs. 1,450 billion from the public and depositing it in banks—a move he called a “deception against the people.”
Highlighting the PTI government’s economic performance, Umar stated that 5.4 million jobs were created in their first three years. On regional security, he warned of India’s hostile intentions but commended Pakistan’s armed forces for their strong responses to provocations. He also expressed solidarity with Iran following Israeli attacks, stating that the entire Muslim Ummah stands with Tehran.
In his concluding remarks, Umar urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to set aside personal and political interests and take decisive steps to resolve the country’s crises. He stressed that without genuine reforms and unity, Pakistan’s challenges will only worsen, risking long-term instability.