Govt, PPP reach broad understanding on Budget

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaders held an important meeting at the President’s House on Sunday, where discussions focused on the federal budget and other key political matters.

According to sources, the government delegation led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif included Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers, and senior officials of the Ministry of Finance.

President Asif Ali Zardari received the prime minister upon his arrival, while PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari led the party’s delegation.

Sources said both sides reviewed budget proposals and reached an agreement on most of the recommendations put forward during consultations. The PPP has reportedly given a positive signal regarding support for the federal budget, while technical committees will continue discussions on a few remaining points.

The meeting also reviewed the political situation in the country and other matters of mutual interest.

According to sources, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated President Zardari on the PPP’s performance in the Gilgit-Baltistan elections and remarked that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had run an effective election campaign. President Zardari reportedly responded in a light-hearted manner during the exchange.

Sources further said that the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir also attended the meeting, where the prevailing situation in Azad Kashmir came under discussion.

Officials from both sides described the meeting as constructive and aimed at strengthening cooperation on key legislative and economic matters.