KARACHI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Karachi General Secretary Arslan Khalid has sharply rebuked recent claims made by Khurram Shahzad, Advisor to the Finance Minister, regarding a reduction in the fiscal deficit. Khalid described the claims as misleading and accused the government of burdening the public with increased costs of living.

According to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Khalid accused Shahzad of falsely portraying economic success by highlighting a reduced fiscal deficit. Khalid argued that the alleged deficit reduction is achieved at the expense of the public, who are grappling with unprecedented levels of inflation. He emphasized that the rise in petrol, electricity, and gas prices is causing widespread distress and described the government's economic policies as a campaign against the poor.

Khalid further stated that the government's actions reflect incompetence rather than economic achievement. He criticized the administration for attempting to obscure its failures by entangling citizens in financial hardship, suggesting that the public is increasingly aware of these tactics.