The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has expressed readiness to support the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during the budget approval process after differences between the ruling coalition and its key ally were resolved.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is also prepared to end the party's boycott of the budget session following discussions with the prime minister.
According to sources, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the PPP's reservations regarding the federal budget during a meeting with Bhutto-Zardari. The discussions resulted in an understanding between the government and its coalition partner on budget-related matters.
The PPP has indicated its willingness to back the government in securing approval of the federal budget, while Bhutto-Zardari is expected to participate fully in parliamentary proceedings.
Sources said the prime minister reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the PPP and maintaining cooperation within the coalition government.
Bhutto-Zardari is scheduled to address the National Assembly on the federal budget tomorrow. The PPP chairman has finalised key points for his speech after consultations with party leaders.
The former foreign minister had postponed his budget speech two days earlier owing to reservations over certain budget proposals. Federal ministers subsequently held several rounds of negotiations to resolve the outstanding issues.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bhutto-Zardari agreed to maintain close cooperation between federal and provincial institutions to ensure the completion of projects of national importance.
During a meeting in Islamabad, the two leaders discussed political matters, national issues, the federal budget and ongoing development projects in Sindh. They also exchanged views on matters of mutual political interest and reviewed federally funded development schemes in the province.
Bhutto-Zardari paid tribute to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for Pakistan's diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting peace in light of the situation in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said effective coordination between the federation and the provinces remained essential for national development. Bhutto-Zardari thanked the prime minister for his support during the government formation process in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema attended the meeting. Senator Sherry Rehman and MNA Syed Naveed Qamar accompanied the PPP chairman.
