Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja on Thursday criticized the federal government for worsening economic conditions, poor governance, and the continued detention of the party's leadership. Speaking at a press conference alongside PTI Lahore President Mian Usman Akram, Raja highlighted his recent visit to Kahna in NA-123, the constituency of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where he offered condolences to families of children who died after a private tuition centre roof collapsed.
Lahore Tragedy Exposes Systemic Failures
Raja said the incident exposed systemic shortcomings that left underprivileged children without adequate access to education and healthcare. "The tragic loss of 14 young lives in their pursuit of education reflects the dark reality of this system," he stated. He added that PTI, under founder Imran Khan, would continue to advocate for disadvantaged communities both inside and outside Parliament.
Describing conditions in the area, Raja noted residents were living amid deteriorating infrastructure, including damaged roads. "This is the reality of a constituency represented by the prime minister himself. It reflects a system fundamentally based on lies and barbarity," he said.
Economic Hardship Despite Five Budgets
The PTI leader said that despite the government presenting five federal budgets, economic hardship remained evident across the country. He emphasized that PTI views itself not only as a political party but also as a social force that will continue to support people facing financial difficulties.
Referring to a World Bank report, Raja claimed it questioned federal government expenditure and alleged that appointments had been made in departments expected to be abolished. He said expectations of reducing federal spending after the 18th Amendment had not been met.
Education Crisis and Party Resilience
Raja also stated that around 40% of children in Pakistan are out of school, while many of those enrolled lack access to quality education. He said PTI would strengthen its role as a social force despite what he described as state crackdowns, and the party would continue its political activities.
Commenting on the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Raja alleged that residents were facing oppression, internet services had been suspended, and multiple deaths had occurred. He reiterated PTI's stance that Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi had been imprisoned in what he described as an unlawful case.
PTI Remains United, Says Raja
Rejecting suggestions that PTI had been weakened, Raja said the party remained united and would continue its political struggle. "We are standing firm and will not retreat. Victory will be ours, and that time is not far off," he concluded.
