Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Sirajul Haq said on Thursday that the country was facing severe economic hardships due to corruption.

Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Mr Haq compared the country’s currency with that of the neighbouring countries, saying, “Even the currencies of Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and India are much stronger than Pakistan.”

“Despite having all the blessings, the country is suffering from various crises due to the negligence and corruption of the rulers,” Mr Haq rued.

“Today, the country lags behind on the grounds of GDP, currency, and exports”.

Underscoring the importance of Karachi in the country’s development, Mr Haq said: “The law and order and development in Karachi is vital for the country’s prosperity.”

He recalled the local government elections in Karachi, held in January, saying, “The people of Karachi expressed their confidence in the JI.”

– Tax rich, tax poor –

Mr Haq said on Tuesday that if his party assumes power, it will implement taxes on the affluent while offering assistance to the underprivileged.

Speaking to media in Khushab, Mr Haq underscored that inflation was presently the foremost predicament across the country. "The current administration had effectively doubled inflation, raising the question of who holds the authority to curtail it if the government does not," he rued.

Mr Haq emphasised that the country had effectively become subservient to international financial institutions, highlighting that for a span of five years, the ruling parties had remained beholden to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

He stressed the critical significance of transparent and equitable elections in the country, asserting that the JI will oppose any elections lacking transparency.

He expressed his viewpoint that the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), along with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and other political parties, had deceived the public.

Mr Haq encouraged the populace to rally behind the JI, saying, "The JI is a party that prioritises the welfare of the less fortunate and fosters an affable approach towards them".

He also advocated for the promotion of tourism within the country as a means to amass resources and capital.