Rs300 bn losses at KSE due to political crisis, Dar claims
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday claimed the ongoing political crisis has caused Rs300 billion worth of losses at the Karachi Stock Exchange.
Addressing a press conference held at the finance ministry, Dar argued that the current political crisis was an "attempt to destabilise the country".
"Imran Khan knows very well that his demands [for caretaker setup] are unconstitutional; the prime minister cannot be removed according to his wishes" Dar stated.
The finance minister made it clear that Imran and the Azadi March would be dealt with politically, while Tahirul Qadri would be dealt administratively.
On PTI's white paper
Dar termed the PTI's white paper on the financial budget "a pack of lies".
He said the budget carried relief measures for all segments of society, particularly the youth. He also said the country’s economy has over performed over the last year. He argued that the budget carries not only measures for the promotion of industrial and business activities, but also for the agriculture sector.
The finance minister said five hundred billion rupees had been allocated in the budget for disbursement of loans among the farmers, aside from a subsidy given to them on other agriculture inputs.
"The budget is pro-elite, just as it is pro-people", Dar said.