Only 'tough decisions' can iron out Pakistan's economic issues: Imran Khan.

ISLAMABAD -- Since the country's economic condition is in the doldrums, former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan Tuesday said 'tough decisions' should be taken by the new government that comes with a mandate.

'Whichever new government comes with people's mandate should take tough decisions. This [PDM] government doesn't have the moral authority to take tough decisions,' the PTI chief said while addressing the launch of PTI's white paper via video link.

The deposed prime minister's comments come as a default risk looms over Pakistan, the rupee continues to depreciate against the US dollar, and forex reserves have plunged to record lows - covering merely a month's imports.

Financial pundits, voicing concerns since the ouster of the previous government, say the country's financial side will remain vulnerable until there is political stability.

As a result of the prevailing financial crisis, the federal government has decided to close markets/malls by 8:30pm and save around Rs62 billion per annum - but traders have once again rejected the idea.

Meanwhile, the former premier lamented the country's economic state highlighting the increase in inflation.

'Prices of flour, electricity, petroleum products and food items have all increased. Today, the country's industries are shutting down,' Khan said, highlighting that the nation is afraid of seeing the country's direction.

He claimed that around 750,000 Pakistanis had left the country in the last eight months. Khan also stressed the need for increasing the country's exports.

"For 30 to 40 years, we did not consider increasing exports. Pakistan won't be able to stand on its feet for as long as the exports don't increase. When I met exporters, they informed me about the obstacles,' the PTI chairman revealed.

Circling back to his demand for elections in the country, the former prime minister said: 'The economy is linked to politics. It cannot improve without political stability.'

He said that elections were the only solution to get the country out of the economic crisis.

'The election is necessary to end instability. No matter what initiative is being taken, the election is the only solution,' the PTI chief said.

Advising the ruling government in the Centre about its decisions regarding the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Imran Khan said that approaching the IMF raises the issue of autonomy.

'When going to the IMF, one has to adhere to their orders. You cannot...