A delegation from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), headed by Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday. The meeting, held at the Prime Minister’s House, included notable PPP members such as Chairman Senate Yousuf Raza Gilani, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Syed Khurshid Shah, Syed Naveed Qamar, and Sherry Rehman.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the discussions primarily focused on national political issues, with significant attention given to the upcoming budget for 2024-2025. The prime minister highlighted the positive economic indicators, including a historic surge in the stock market, as evidence of business confidence in the new budget. He emphasized the need for all political parties to collaborate for national development, prosperity, and public welfare, noting that measures had been taken to alleviate the common man’s financial burdens in the new budget.
Both sides agreed to continue consultations through various committees. The meeting, conducted in a positive atmosphere, concluded with a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz in honor of the PPP delegation. Other notable attendees included Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and several federal ministers and advisors.
Media reports indicate that Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expressed PPP’s concerns to Prime Minister Shehbaz but assured cooperation in the budget’s approval. Some reports suggest that discussions also covered the inclusion of PPP in the federal cabinet and power-sharing arrangements in Punjab. Sources revealed that Bilawal complained about the federal government’s lack of consultation with PPP and the lack of seriousness regarding projects in Sindh. He also voiced grievances about the ruling party not honoring previous agreements made during the coalition government’s formation and about obstacles created by the Punjab administration led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
Prime Minister Shehbaz assured Bilawal of addressing these concerns and agreed to form committees to resolve the issues. The PPP chief reiterated his party’s support for the federal budget’s passage in parliament. Further discussions between the committees were scheduled to continue on Friday at the Prime Minister’s House to advance these matters.
