PTI Leaders Criticize Government for Admitting Economic Downturn, Express Concern Over KP’s Financial Crisis

Islamabad: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Asad Qaiser and Muhammad Zubair, while addressing a press conference in Islamabad, voiced deep concern over the country’s deteriorating economic situation, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Asad Qaiser said that KP is not receiving its rightful share in the NFC Award. He recalled that the Sartaj Aziz Committee had promised that following the merger of FATA, **Rs 1,000 billion** would be allocated for its development over ten years, with each province contributing **3% of its NFC share**.
He accused the federal government of failing to fulfill these commitments and claimed that KP is being denied its royalties.

Qaiser added that the province was used as a frontline region in global politics, which heavily affected its society, culture, and economy. He said the Afghan war brought multiple challenges, forcing industries to relocate and triggering waves of suicide and drone attacks that crippled the province’s economic development.

He further stated that despite Pakistan blocking Pak-Afghan transit trade, the federal government continues to blame KP for smuggling. Rising unemployment and deteriorating security conditions, he warned, could fuel terrorism. He noted that Imran Khan also expressed concerns over escalating tensions with Afghanistan.

**Muhammad Zubair**

Speaking alongside Qaiser, senior PTI leader and former Sindh governor Muhammad Zubair said that SIFC’s National Coordinator, General Sarfraz, has admitted that Pakistan’s heavy tax burden is discouraging investment.
He criticized the government, saying officials themselves are acknowledging the decline in governance and economic management.

Zubair highlighted that the trade deficit has surged by **37%** and demanded Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take responsibility and explain the situation.

He added that ordinary Pakistanis are struggling abroad while government ministers with red passports continue to claim the country’s global standing has improved. “Every international survey ranks us at the bottom,” he remarked.