Barrister Saif Slams Federal Budget, Calls It ‘Fake Relief from a Fake Government

Peshawar:Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Advisor **Barrister Dr. Saif** has launched a scathing attack on the recently announced federal budget, branding it as a “**fake relief from a fake government**” and a **nightmare for the poor**.

Reacting to the fiscal measures, Dr. Saif criticized the proposed **salary increases**, calling them **cosmetic and symbolic**, akin to *“a drop in the ocean”* when compared to the current inflation rate. He claimed that the so-called relief was merely a repeat of **Form 47-style deception**, referencing alleged election irregularities.

He warned that the **increase in fuel and electricity taxes** would trigger a **fresh wave of inflation**, hitting the poorest segments of society the hardest. *“Whenever petrol prices go up, the cost of essentials follows almost instantly,”* he said.

Dr. Saif also strongly condemned the **imposition of taxes on alternative energy solutions**, especially **solar panels**, calling it a **blow to already struggling households**. *“With the most expensive electricity, prolonged load-shedding, and now taxed solar panels — where should the public turn to?”* he asked.

He further alleged that the budget seemed tailored **not for the common man, but for the business interests of the Sharif family**, sarcastically suggesting it *“should have been presented in Jati Umra or London’s Mayfair apartments.”*

Barrister Saif’s remarks reflect the growing frustration among opposition parties, who see the budget as **elitist and disconnected from ground realities**, especially amid soaring inflation and economic uncertainty.