A meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari has resulted in broad agreement between the federal government and the Pakistan Peoples Party on most proposals related to the upcoming federal budget, according to sources. The meeting was held at Aiwan-e-Sadr, where a government delegation led by the prime minister held discussions with senior PPP leaders.
Key Participants and Discussions
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers, and officials from the Ministry of Finance also attended the talks. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari led the party delegation during discussions focused on the federal budget and other important national matters. According to sources, both sides agreed on the majority of each other's budget-related proposals, a development seen as an important step toward securing parliamentary support for the government's financial plan.
Positive Indications and Technical Consultations
The PPP has also given a positive indication regarding approval of the federal budget, although consultations on some technical and practical matters will continue. Sources said technical committees from both sides will remain engaged on several proposals requiring further examination before final decisions are made.
Other Matters Discussed
The meeting also included a brief discussion on the recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, during which Prime Minister Shehbaz congratulated President Zardari on the PPP's electoral performance in the region. Participants also reviewed the latest situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and exchanged views on developments in the area. The Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir was also present during the meeting.
The discussions come as the government seeks political consensus ahead of the presentation and passage of the federal budget, with both sides appearing to have narrowed differences on key fiscal proposals.
