Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday met PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and discussed matters of national importance, the federal budget, development projects and the prevailing regional situation.
Bilawal was accompanied by Senator Sherry Rehman and Member of the National Assembly Syed Naveed Qamar during the meeting held at the Prime Minister’s House, a news release said.
The PPP chairman paid tribute to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting global peace in the context of the evolving situation in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also exchanged views on political developments and issues of mutual interest concerning the country.
The meeting reviewed progress on development projects being implemented by the federal government in the province of Sindh and discussed measures to further strengthen cooperation between the federation and the provinces.
During the discussion on the federal budget, the prime minister underscored that effective coordination and close cooperation between the federal and provincial governments were indispensable for national development and economic progress.
Both leaders agreed that sustained collaboration between federal and provincial institutions was essential for the timely completion of projects of national importance and for ensuring better public services and facilities for citizens.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari thanked the prime minister for his support in the process of government formation in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Separately, Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said that the positive economic benefits of the government’s policies would be passed on to the public once regional peace was fully restored and normalcy returned.
Speaking during a meeting with women members of parliament belonging to the Pakistan Muslim League (N), the prime minister said lasting peace in the region was essential for economic growth and prosperity, adding that stability would help create conditions for greater public relief and development.
He remarked that, by the grace of Allah, tensions in the region had subsided and efforts for peace had succeeded.
The prime minister expressed gratitude to friendly countries that fully supported efforts to establish peace. He stated that since the beginning of the tensions, the Government of Pakistan, particularly Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, and the entire government team, had worked sincerely and actively toward restoring peace. He noted that lasting peace in the region and across the world was essential for Pakistan and other countries to achieve their economic development goals.
He said that over recent months, the government made every possible effort to shield the public from the effects of global inflation.
The prime minister said that during the recent crisis, sacrifices began first with the cabinet and government institutions. “It was unacceptable for the public to make sacrifices while the elite continue to enjoy privileges,” he added.
The government, he said, provided Rs. 128 billion in subsidies and launched a large-scale austerity campaign to reduce public hardship.
The prime minister stated that both the federal and provincial governments worked in complete coordination to maintain economic stability during recent challenges, and he expressed heartfelt gratitude to the provincial governments.