• Opp alliance claims poverty rate risen to 29pc, unemployment highest in 21 years
• TTAP leaders criticise participation in ‘Board of Peace’ meeting

ISLAMABAD: The Tehreek Tahafuz-i-Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) leaders on Sunday criticised the government for its “flawed” national and foreign policies, the economic performance, and governance, alleging that the country was facing irreversible loss.

The leaders, including Taimur Khan Jhagra, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai and others, were speaking at a press conference in Islamabad.

PTI leader Taimur Jhagra alleged that the government’s claims of economic recovery were not correct and that it lacked a plan to improve the country’s economic situation.

Referring to recently released national poverty statistics, he said in 2018, as many as 22 per cent of the population was living below the poverty line, but that figure has risen to 29 per cent. He added that over the past 11 years, not only has poverty increased, but the gap between the rich and the poor has also increased.

Mr Jhagra claimed that Punjab and Sindh had the highest increase in poverty, with poverty rising by 41 per cent in Punjab and 33 per cent in Sindh. He also claimed that the government’s latest unemployment report reflected the highest unemployment rate in 21 years.

He claimed the Pakistan International Airlines was sold for Rs 10 billion while a private jet by Punjab was purchased for the same amount. He said that the Punjab government has not provided answers regarding the purchase.

Speaking about the Trump-led body, Mr Jhagra criticised Pakistan’s participation in the “Board of Peace”, referring to a report by a UK newspaper, The Guardian, which claimed representatives of dictators and monarchies attended the event. He questioned Pakistan’s participation, stating that China stayed away from the body.

He further alleged that just after participation in the meeting, news emerged that a deal regarding the Roosevelt Hotel had been reached. He demanded that the government share the terms and conditions of the agreement. Mr Khokhar stated that the “hybrid system” was against the foundation of the country. He said that the government should deal with terrorist organisations strictly.

Published in Dawn, February 23rd, 2026