President Zardari, PM Shehbaz review security, economy and budget priorities

-- Top leadership discusses national security, regional developments and law and order

-- Gilgit-Baltistan elections, coalition govt formation and Azad Kashmir situation come under review

-- PPP leaders urge PML-N to join coalition govt to be formed in Gilgit Baltistan after split mandate

-- President stresses public welfare, provincial rights and economic stability in federal budget

-- Interior minister briefs meeting on Iran visit and regional diplomatic engagements

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday held an important meeting at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, where they reviewed the country's overall political, economic and security situation, with particular focus on the upcoming federal budget, regional developments and law and order.

The high-level meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah.

The participants held detailed discussions on national security, the internal and regional environment, economic challenges, the federal budget for the next fiscal year, recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and other matters of national importance.

During the meeting, President Zardari emphasised that the forthcoming federal budget should prioritise public welfare, safeguard the constitutional rights of provinces, and support sustainable economic stability. The PPP leader also urged PML-N to join a coalition govt to be formed in Gilgit Baltistan after split mandate in recent elections.

Well-placed sources said that the PPP leadership has offered the PML-N to join the coalition government with PPP getting 60 percent ministries and PML-N securing a 40 percent share in the new government.

The president directed that all possible measures be taken to ensure a balance between economic growth and public welfare initiatives in the upcoming budget, stressing the need for policies that provide tangible relief to the people while maintaining fiscal discipline.

The meeting also reviewed key economic indicators and budget proposals aimed at strengthening the national economy and addressing public concerns amid ongoing financial challenges.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi briefed the participants on his recent visit to Iran and shared details of Pakistan’s diplomatic engagements in the region, including efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability.

The meeting was also attended by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore and former National Assembly speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf.

In addition, Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Saleem Mandviwala, MNA Syed Naveed Qamar and Senator Ahad Cheema participated in the deliberations.

The meeting reaffirmed the leadership’s commitment to addressing national challenges through consultation, strengthening economic stability, maintaining law and order, and ensuring effective coordination among federal and provincial stakeholders.

PM congratulates GB people on fair, peaceful polls; felicitates PPP on major win

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday extended congratulations to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan on the successful, transparent, peaceful and politically vibrant conduct of the general elections held on Sunday.

The prime minister, in a statement, congratulated the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), including President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, for emerging as the majority political party in the Gilgit-Baltistan elections.

He congratulated the successful candidates of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) who put up strong competition, besides praising the party's team for their hard work and dedication.

Felicitating all other winning candidates across GB, Prime Minister Shehbaz appreciated the people for their enthusiastic and full participation in the political activities.

Calling the peaceful and transparent elections and active political engagement the "beauty of democracy", he praised the Election Commission for ensuring a fair and impartial electoral process.

The prime minister also lauded the police and law enforcement agencies for playing an exemplary role in maintaining law and order and ensuring the peaceful conduct of the polls.