Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Thursday assured Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari that steps will be taken to address the PPP's concerns over "unilateralism" in the ruling coalition, according to sources cited by 24NewsHD TV channel.
The assurance came after a key meeting between top leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and PPP in the federal capital. The meeting followed a token protest by the PPP during the National Assembly session last week when Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presented the federal budget for 2024-25.
Bilawal expressed his party's reservations, particularly regarding the federal government's lack of consultation on various projects in PPP-led Sindh.
He also raised issues about the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and budget proposals, accusing the government of not taking PPP into confidence.
Sources revealed that both parties discussed the PPP’s potential inclusion in the federal cabinet and power-sharing arrangements in Punjab.
Bilawal complained that the ruling party had failed to implement an agreement that saw PPP support the PML-N in forming the government after the February elections. He also accused the Maryam Nawaz-led Punjab administration of obstructing PPP activities in the province.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reportedly agreed with most of Bilawal's concerns and formed committees to address the issues raised. These committees are set to hold further discussions to move the matters forward.
Federal ministers Ishaq Dar, Rana Sanaullah, Attaullah Tarar, Khawaja Saad Rafique, Ali Pervaiz Malik, and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb attended the meeting. From the PPP side, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Khursheed Shah, and Sherry Rehman were present.
The meeting, which included a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in honor of the PPP delegation, was described as taking place in a positive atmosphere. Both sides agreed to continue consultations through the newly formed committees.
Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized the importance of unity among political parties for national development and public welfare.
He highlighted that the new financial year's budget includes steps to provide relief to the common man and noted the positive economic indicators and historic stock market performance as endorsements of the budget by the business community.