JUI-F Chief Criticizes Government's Economic Failures, Highlights Chinese Concerns

Maulana Fazlur Rehman accused Pakistan's government of failing to revive the economy, alleging that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif broke his promises. Rehman also highlighted concerns from China and warned against the objectives of Western nations. Financial struggles for urban Pakistanis have surged, with many cutting essential expenses.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, addressing a farmers' convention on Saturday, criticized the ruling government for failing to revive Pakistan's economy, Pakistan-based ARY News reported.

Rehman alleged that the country's economy was in such a 'poor state' that the next government would be unable to turn it around. 'If the law and order situation worsens, the economy will suffer further damage,' ARY News quoted Rehman as saying.

Additionally, Rehman noted that China had expressed concerns about Pakistan's economic situation. He stated that China urged Pakistan to improve the conditions before seeking investments. 'I also informed PM Shehbaz that his visit to China was not successful,' Rehman added, according to ARY News.

The JUI-F leader warned that the objectives of the US and Western countries were not in Pakistan's best interests. ARY News reported that amid economic distress, financial difficulties for urban Pakistani households have soared by 14 percent over the past year. As of the latest findings, 74 percent of the urban population is unable to meet their monthly expenses with current incomes.

This marks a significant increase from May 2023, when 60 percent of households reported financial struggles, based on a study by Pulse Consultant. Out of those struggling, 60 percent have cut back on essential expenses such as groceries, while 40 percent have resorted to borrowing money from acquaintances.

Further, 10 percent of the population has taken on part-time jobs to supplement their income, ARY News reported.