ISLAMABAD: Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has said that discussions with the government over concerns regarding the federal budget are ongoing, indicating continued engagement between coalition partners on key fiscal issues.
The remarks came after a meeting between Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and a government delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. During the meeting, held at Bilawal’s chamber in Islamabad, the deputy prime minister briefed the PPP chairman on various budgetary figures and financial proposals outlined in the federal budget.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Bilawal said consultations on the budget were still underway and that further discussions with the government would take place in the coming days. He noted that the PPP had conveyed its reservations regarding certain aspects of the budget and was seeking dialogue to address those concerns.
The meeting reflects efforts by the government to maintain consensus among its allies ahead of the budget’s parliamentary approval process. The PPP has previously voiced concerns about several budget measures and has urged greater consultation with coalition partners during the preparation of economic policies.
Separately, Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, and PPP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha also met Zardari.
During the meeting, the PPP chairman expressed concern over the wheat shortage crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and directed the governor to play an active role in addressing the issue. Bilawal emphasized that all political parties should work together to advocate for the province’s interests and find solutions to challenges affecting residents.
The consultations come as political stakeholders continue discussions on economic priorities, fiscal reforms and public welfare measures included in the federal budget for the upcoming financial year.