Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) termed the first budget of Nawaz-led government, a failure, as it does not please and satisfy the common men and the traders' community. This was stated by JI General Secretary Liaquat Baloch while addressing a post-budget seminar, organised by JI at Idara-e-Noor Haq.
Speaking at the seminar, JI General Secretary demanded of the Federal Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar to make the announcement of Budget 2013-14 withdrawals, as Federal Minister and his team have completely failed to provide relief to the people of the country.
He urged the Federal Government to introduce new budget with new recommendations and suggestions, otherwise it will succeed to get approval of the present budget from the parliament, but the citizens will get annoyed by the approval of the Budget 2013-14, as it contains nothing for the welfare of the common men.
He said that the policies being adopted by the government after 9/11 incident have given irreparable loss to the country. Baloch further demanded to change these policies. "The recent Budget 2013-14 has proved that the Nawaz-led government nothing learnt anything from the past adding that the presented budget has tarnished the image of PML-N govt and it has nothing to satisfy the people", Baloch added.
He said that the 17 percent increase has been witnessed in the prices of the basic commodities by the increase of 1 percent General Sales Tax (GST) and suo motu notice taken by the Supreme Court in this regard is an open proof. On the occasion, Baloch referred the views of the common men that the people think that the arrow killed the armed forces in the regime of Zardari and the people will badly affected in the reign of Tiger.
He said that the intervention of external powers is always involved in the budget making process during democracy and dictatorship. He further said that the competent and courageous government is needed, which face the pressure of external powers and provide relief to the masses by introducing pro-people budget. JI leader urged the government to follow the roadmap containing 8-point agenda of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) to improve the economy of the country.
"Interest-free economy should be introduced and steps being taken according to the Islamic economy system to improve the economy of the country", Baloch demanded. He stressed upon the need to impose tax on agricultural income and constructing dams for overcoming power crises.
Prominent Economist Dr Shahid Hasan Siddiqui said that Pakistan is a safe haven for tax defaulters and plunderers, adding that the presented Budget is a sheer contradiction of the manifesto of PML-N. "The recent budget does not provide relief to the common men, but the plunderers", he added.
He further said the allocated funds for national education policy are not being utilised, adding that taking further loan from IMF is a conspiracy to destroy the economy and sovereignty of the country. "Now Pakistan is becoming next destination of United States for starting war and taking new loans from IMF is a part of this great game", he added. He further said if the PML-N will prepare budget according to its manifesto, then it is acceptable.
Former President KCCI A Q Khalil said those who prepare budgets are corrupt and do not aware by the actual grievances of the masses. He further said the bureaucracy has played its negative role in preparing the recent budget and Finance Minister has given the message to the nation that the armed forces should curtail its budget in order to provide relief to the masses.
He demanded of the government to declare Karachi "No strike zone", as 100 strikes being observed in a year which badly affecting the economy of the country. JI Karachi Ameer Muhammad Hussain Mahenti said that the government has changed, but the corrupt system did not change and the recent budget does not provide relief to common men. He demanded the withdrawal of increase in GST, as it is an extra burden on poor and middle class people.
Mahenti further said that the newly elected government has not yet taken any step to eliminate corruption and inflation. "Our biggest problem is to take loans, but still the government is taking loans from IMF at high interest rate", he added. Dr Qazi Ahmed Kamal said it is unfortunate that every government preparing budget by estimating expenses not income.
He further said that the 50 percent of total income is being spent only on paying loans. General Secretary JI Karachi Naseem Siddiqui, Naib Ameers Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, Raja Arif Sultan and former MNA Muzaffar Hashmi were also present on the occasion.-PR