LAHORE: The Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) Punjab on Wednesday organised the “People’s Alternative Budget Dialogue”, bringing together political representatives, economists and civil society voices to discuss Pakistan’s deepening economic crisis and the need for a genuine alternative based on the needs of ordinary citizens.
The event, co-hosted by Haqooq-e-Khalq Party (HKP), brought together representatives from different political backgrounds around a common concern that Pakistan’s current economic direction has failed to address the realities faced by the majority of the population, while inflation, unemployment and declining purchasing power continue to put pressure on citizens.
The gathering was addressed by HKP leaders Ammar Ali Jan, Farooq Tariq and Haider Butt, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Shayan Bashir and Mian Akram Usman, former governor of Sindh Muhammad Zubair, and former Senator Mushtaq.
The speakers highlighted that Pakistan’s economic crisis cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader political and constitutional crisis. They stressed that sustainable economic recovery requires political stability, rule of law, institutional accountability and a budget framework that prioritises citizens over vested interests.
They also expressed serious concern over the continued incarceration of former prime minister Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, along with political workers and leaders detained across the country. They demanded an end to political victimisation, immediate relief for political prisoners, and the release of those being held in Kot Lakhpat Jail and other detention facilities.
The discussion examined the shortcomings of the current budget approach, including the rising cost of living, pressure on working families, limited economic opportunities, and the widening gap between policy decisions and public realities.
Punjab, as Pakistan’s largest province and the centre of its economic activity, remained a key focus of the discussion. The speakers highlighted how communities across the province are experiencing the impact of inflation, unemployment and declining access to essential services.
The TTAP Punjab stated that the ‘People’s Alternative Budget Dialogue’ was part of a broader effort to move beyond criticism and develop a serious, policy-based alternative rooted in economic justice, democratic accountability and constitutional governance.
The organisation reaffirms its commitment to continue engaging with political, economic, and social stakeholders to present solutions that reflect the aspirations and challenges of the people of Pakistan.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
Comments