ISLAMABAD: Demanding immediate resignation of Prime Minister Imran Khan for his 'utter failure' in containing coronavirus and poor handling of other issues, the opposition on Sunday announced they 'completely reject' the federal government's budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
Speaking at a presser here Pakistan People's Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari along with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) parliamentary leader in National Assembly Khawaja Asif, Jamat-e-Islami's Mian Asalm, and Akram Durrani of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), said that the opposition leaders have unanimously declined and rejected the budget and would take all measures possible to protest against it.
"The opposition parties have decided to call an All Parties Conference to formulate a joint strategy against the annual budget presented by the PTI government", Bilawal added.
He went on to say that not only the opposition parties rather the whole country have become united against the government because of this anti-poor budget.
"We were expecting that the government would provide some kind of relief at a time of crises, but to the contrary, the government has increased the burden on masses," he maintained.
The government has imposed a tax on petrol, before the passing of the budget, which is even more than the rate of petrol itself, said Bilawal, adding there has been an absolute failure on the government's part to secure our lives and protect our health.
The PPP chairman said that the entire opposition, meanwhile, had "played a responsible role" in combating the coronavirus.
"PML-N, PPP, every party, has the leadership to fight the pandemic...PTI lacks the leadership to fight it as cracks have already surfaced within its [PTI] own ranks with some allied parties quitting the alliance," he added.
Speaking of PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif, who has contracted the virus and is in isolation, Bilawal said: "Shehbaz Sharif is making the prime minister sweat He said that Shehbaz is "in touch with all parties" despite his illness, adding the day he is tested negative, we will convene an APC to chalk out a strategy against the government.
The PPP chairman did acknowledge that it would be difficult to hold general elections but reiterated that political parties would continue working together to find a democratic solution.
Speaking on the occasion, PML-N stalwart Khawaja Asif said Prime Minister Imran Khan's rule "is leading us to destruction, adding, "the sooner we get rid of him [PM] the better it would be".
"PM Imran Khan has become a liability on nation...the way the government's allies are breaking the coalition with the PTI-led government is an indication that government is on it's last legs," he added.
He said that given the current scenario, the only way forward is: "PM Imran Khan's removal and this is the only solution to the country".
He said the opposition will formulate a joint strategy in this regard, adding the government institutions are being used to target the opposition.
"We will use every constitutional option. No unconstitutional way will be used, we will protect the constitution but we will use every constitutional option to get rid of Imran Khan," said Asif.
JUI-F's Akram Khan Durrani said that the incumbent government's attitude towards the opposition is appalling which due which no one sees any light at the end of the tunnel.
He said that "cries of bewilderment" can be heard everywhere over the government's policies.
JI's Mian Aslam slamming the government's budget proposal, saying it is a blur of words, adding the government was already headed for failure before the budget and with the budget and POL prices increase, it has completely failed now.