ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad on Monday. The discussions focused on national security, as well as the internal and regional situation. Issues of national importance, including the economy, the budget for the next fiscal year, recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, the situation in Azad Kashmir, and law and order, came under discussion.
Budget and Public Relief
While discussing budget proposals and public relief, the President emphasized prioritizing public welfare, provincial rights, and economic stability in the federal budget. He directed that every effort be made to harmonize the growth rate and public welfare schemes in the upcoming budget.
Briefing on Regional Diplomacy
During the meeting, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi briefed the President on his recent visit to Iran and regional diplomatic contacts. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Chairman Pakistan People’s Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Prime Minister’s Advisor on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah were also present. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Raja Faisal Rathore, and Member of the National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf also attended.
Exchange of Views
According to an official statement, the participants exchanged views on national security, internal and regional developments, law and order, and other matters of national importance.
Bilawal Meets PM
Earlier, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the PM House. PM Shehbaz Sharif congratulated him on his party's victory in the Gilgit-Baltistan elections. During the meeting, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari presented PPP's suggestions for the preparations of the upcoming federal budget 2026-27.
