Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub on Wednesday launched a scathing critique of the federal budget and government policies, accusing the ruling coalition of pushing the country towards economic collapse.

Speaking to the media outside the Islamabad High Court (IHC), Ayub alleged that the government had "destroyed the economy," pointing to the sharp rise in the petroleum levy and the ballooning interest payments as evidence of mismanagement.

“The petroleum levy has now crossed Rs100 per litre,” he claimed. “During our time, it was only Rs20.”

He added that more than half of the national budget is being consumed by debt servicing. “This budget is a complete failure. Salaries of government employees have not been increased, but allocations for the Prime Minister’s and President’s houses have gone up,” he said.

Ayub also criticised the legal proceedings involving former prime minister Imran Khan, often referred to by PTI members as “Bani.” He expressed concern over what he termed the “dismantling” of judicial benches and alleged that the party leadership was being denied justice.

“We reached the Islamabad High Court on time, but Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi’s bail hearing was not held today. The single and double benches are being dismantled,” he said, referring to judicial delays. “On June 5, the judge had ordered NAB to present its lawyer.”

The PTI leader claimed that Imran Khan is not being allowed to meet fellow imprisoned party members, calling it a violation of basic rights. “We are standing with all our comrades who are in jail,” he added.