Barrister Dr. Saif warns of inflation tsunami, pledges KP will present tax-free alternative budget
PESHAWAR: Advisor to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Information and Public Relations, Barrister Dr. Saif, has strongly reacted to the recently presented federal budget, stating that the federal government has deceived the salaried class under the guise of providing relief. The salary increase is far too little compared to the rate of inflation adding this budget is a nightmare for the poor segments of society.
He expressed serious concern over the hike in taxes on petrol and electricity, warning that such measures would trigger a new wave of inflation. “When petrol prices rise, the cost of all essential commodities follows,” he noted. He also criticized the imposition of taxes on alternative energy sources such as solar panels, stating that these too have now become unaffordable for the common man.
Dr. Saif said this budget does not represent the interests of the common people, but instead reflects the priorities of the Sharif family’s business empire. “It would have been more appropriate to present this budget in Jati Umra or the Mayfair apartments in London,” he remarked.
He added that the inflation-hit public was given no relief in the federal budget. On the contrary, new taxes have been introduced which will lead to further price hikes. He accused the current federal government of being a “mandate-stealing government” with no concern for the hardships of ordinary citizens.
Dr. Saif said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government would present its own budget on Friday, which will be tax-free and truly people-friendly and pro-poor.