Karachi, Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Altaf Shakoor has highlighted the recent violent protests in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) as a warning signal for the government, urging a reevaluation of economic strategies including taxation and inflation policies.

According to Pasban Democratic Party, Shakoor criticized the government’s adherence to policies dictated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which he believes are exacerbating the economic burdens on citizens through increased energy tariffs, inflation, and excessive taxation. He warned that the discontent evident in AJK could soon spread across the entire country if the government does not alter its course.

Shakoor also touched on the broader economic issues stemming from reliance on foreign loans, which he argued have never successfully resolved a nation’s economic problems and often lead to greater long-term financial instability. He pointed out that these loans usually come with stringent conditions, such as the appointment of foreign nationals to key financial positions within the government.

The chairman further criticized the government’s current approach to handling rising food prices, poverty, and unemployment. He suggested that rather than continuing to raise taxes and energy prices, the government should focus on increasing production, creating jobs, reducing food prices, and expanding the social security net.

Additionally, Shakoor emphasized the potential of the agriculture and irrigation sectors to significantly improve the nation’s economy by making barren lands cultivable and adopting modern agricultural techniques like drip irrigation and saline water farming.

Finally, he proposed that significant improvements in Karachi’s infrastructure could lead to a doubling of revenue from the megacity. He criticized the lack of modern urban facilities in Karachi compared to smaller cities worldwide that have advanced transport systems like underground railways.

Shakoor’s call to action stressed the urgency for the government to learn from the unrest in AJK and reconsider its economic policies to prevent a nationwide escalation of protests.