An opposition alliance hosted by the Haqooq-e-Khalq Party (HKP) held a National Conference on the Economy at the Lahore Press Club, bringing together political voices to discuss Pakistan's economic crisis and the Federal Budget.
Participants rejected the federal budget, describing it as an IMF-backed economic agenda that favors corporate and elite interests while failing to adequately address the difficulties faced by working people.
Speakers raised concerns over persistent inflation and unemployment, arguing that the budget does not provide sufficient relief to households struggling with rising costs and declining purchasing power.
The conference also criticized what participants described as continued protection of corporate interests through economic policies and budgetary measures. They argued that the burden of economic adjustment is increasingly being placed on workers and low-income communities.
Participants called for an alternative economic approach focused on employment, affordable living, social protection and the redistribution of economic resources.
The conference framed the debate around the budget as part of a broader question of economic priorities, with participants demanding policies that place the needs of working people ahead of corporate interests and austerity measures.