By our correspondent
KARACHI: In a critical address, Shahid Faraz, Secretary General of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (Pakistan), emphasized that tightening the grip on the populace is not in the national interest. Speaking during a meeting with a delegation from the Traders Association at the residence of Afaq Ahmed, Faraz expressed grave concerns regarding the deteriorating economic policies, rising inflation, and increasing unemployment in the city, which have fostered an atmosphere of uncertainty among the public.
He pointed out that the stringent conditions imposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for loan disbursements pose a serious threat to the nation’s economy and security. Faraz criticized the ruling elite for jeopardizing the country’s sovereignty and safety to fulfill personal desires and extravagances. He stressed the need for the government to impose burdens on urban areas that are commensurate with the citizens’ capacity to bear them.
Highlighting the disparities in government policies between urban and rural areas, he warned that such injustices are sowing division within the nation, which is perilous for national security. He noted that inflation does not affect the elite and privileged classes; rather, it is the middle class and those below who are suffering the most. He urged that just as urban areas are taxed, rural areas should also be integrated into the tax net.
Faraz called for the imposition of taxes on agriculture, elevating it to the status of an industry, thereby alleviating further burdens on urban regions. He concluded by stating that without bringing the elite and privileged classes into the tax system, it will be impossible to steer the country out of its economic crisis. Faraz demanded that the government refrain from jeopardizing national security in its efforts to shield the elite and privileged from accountability.
