LAHORE: “Sustainable economic recovery requires political stability, rule of law, institutional accountability and a budget framework that prioritises citizens over vested interests.”

These views were expressed by speakers at “People’s alternative budget dialogue” organised by the Tehreek Tahafuz-i-Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), Punjab, and co-hosted by the Haqooq-i-Khalq Party (HKP) at the Lahore Press Club on Wednesday.

HKP leaders Ammar Ali Jan, Farooq Tariq and Haider Butt, PTI leaders Shayan Bashir and Mian Akram Usman, former governor Sindh Muhammad Zubair, and former senator Mushtaq spoke at the dialogue and stressed that Pakistan’s economic crisis could not be viewed in isolation from the broader political and constitutional crisis.

The speakers said that Pakistan’s current economic direction had failed to address the realities faced by the majority of the population, while inflation, unemployment and declining purchasing power continued to put pressure on citizens.

The speakers expressed serious concerns over the continued incarceration of former prime minister Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, along with political workers and leaders detained across the country. They demanded an end to political victimisation, immediate relief for political prisoners, and the release of those being held in Kot Lakhpat Jail and other detention facilities.

The discussion examined the shortcomings of the current budget approach, including rising costs of living, pressure on working families, limited economic opportunities and the widening gap between policy decisions and public realities.

The speakers highlighted how communities across the province were experiencing the impact of inflation, unemployment and declining access to essential services.

The TTAP Punjab leaders stated that the ‘People’s alternative budget dialogue’ was part of a broader effort to move beyond criticism and develop a serious, policy-based alternative rooted in economic justice, democratic accountability and constitutional governance.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to continuing engagement with political, economic and social stakeholders to present solutions that reflect the aspirations and challenges of the people of Pakistan.

Political representatives, economists and civil society members attended the dialogue.

Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2026