Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry Criticizes Opposition Over Budget Protests
Pakistan’s Minister of State for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, has criticized the opposition for protesting against the federal budget, saying that tearing up documents and chanting slogans do not provide any relief to ordinary citizens.
Speaking to Geo News, Chaudhry said the government had presented the best possible budget under the prevailing economic circumstances. He added that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government had been consulted before the budget was finalized.
“We did not even get a constructive opposition,” Chaudhry said, accusing opposition members of criticizing the budget without properly reading it. He claimed that suggestions from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister had been incorporated into the budget.
He urged opposition parties, particularly Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), not to treat the budget debate as a political campaign centered on imprisoned party leaders. According to Chaudhry, public demonstrations during budget sessions do not contribute to meaningful economic discussion or public welfare.
The minister also commented on the participation of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister in parliamentary proceedings, saying that attending budget sessions in an official capacity differs from attending solely for political protests. He noted that chief ministers receive official protocol when visiting in their governmental roles.
Referring to PTI leaders, Chaudhry alleged that they are under pressure to produce daily social media content, claiming that some party figures focus more on videos and political messaging than substantive policy discussions.
Commenting on relations with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Chaudhry dismissed reports of tensions involving PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, stating that there was no disagreement or dissatisfaction on his part.
The remarks come amid ongoing political debate and criticism from opposition parties over the federal budget and the government’s economic policies.
