PM, Bilawal discuss budget, development projects and regional situation

-- Bilawal meets PM Shehbaz to discuss national and political issues

-- Prime Minister says peace essential for economic prosperity

-- Women Parliamentarians praised for active budget participation

-- Federal-provincial cooperation key to development, leaders agree

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday held separate meetings with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and women parliamentarians of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), discussing national affairs, the federal budget, development initiatives and the prevailing regional situation.

During a meeting at the Prime Minister’s House, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, accompanied by Senator Sherry Rehman and MNA Syed Naveed Qamar, exchanged views with the prime minister on issues of national importance, political developments and matters of mutual interest.

According to an official statement, the two leaders reviewed the progress of federal development projects in Sindh and discussed measures to further strengthen cooperation between the federation and provinces.

The meeting also focused on the federal budget for fiscal year 2026-27, with Prime Minister Shehbaz stressing that close coordination between federal and provincial governments was indispensable for national development and economic progress.

Both leaders agreed that sustained collaboration among federal and provincial institutions was essential for the timely completion of projects of national significance and for improving public services and facilities.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari paid tribute to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting peace amid the evolving situation in the Middle East.

The PPP chairman also thanked the prime minister for his support during the government formation process in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema attended the meeting.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met women parliamentarians belonging to the PML-N and appreciated their active participation in the ongoing budget session.

Addressing the gathering, the prime minister said the positive economic impact of the government’s policies would reach the people once lasting peace was restored in the region.

“Regional peace and stability are essential for economic growth and prosperity,” he said, adding that improved conditions would create greater opportunities for public relief and development.

The prime minister noted that the government had made every effort to provide maximum relief to citizens in the Budget 2026-27 and had proposed several initiatives aimed at empowering women and enhancing their participation in national development.

He reiterated that women’s empowerment remained one of the government’s foremost priorities.

Referring to recent regional developments, Shehbaz Sharif said tensions had subsided and peace efforts had succeeded due to the collective endeavours of Pakistan’s leadership and institutions.

He expressed gratitude to friendly countries for supporting peace initiatives and acknowledged the contributions of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and other members of the government team in promoting regional stability.

The prime minister said the government had worked tirelessly over recent months to shield citizens from the effects of global inflation and economic uncertainty.

“By the grace of Allah, unlike some countries in the region, Pakistan did not face any crisis or long queues for fuel,” he remarked.

He highlighted that the government had provided Rs128 billion in subsidies and launched a broad austerity campaign to ease the burden on the public, while ensuring economic stability through close coordination between federal and provincial governments.

The prime minister also paid tribute to the people of Pakistan for their cooperation and resilience during challenging economic circumstances.

He said the government had presented a people-friendly budget designed to accelerate industrial activity and promote an export-led economy.

According to the prime minister, next year’s budget places special emphasis on expanding water reservoirs, information technology, agriculture and the minerals sector to strengthen Pakistan’s economic foundations.

“These achievements are the result of the collective efforts of Team Pakistan,” he said, expressing confidence that the country would continue its journey towards becoming a developed nation.

The women parliamentarians praised the prime minister’s efforts to promote peace at both regional and global levels and lauded the government for incorporating measures in the budget aimed at women’s empowerment and equal opportunities.

They also presented recommendations regarding public welfare projects in their constituencies and offered suggestions relating to education, healthcare, youth employment, industry, communications and food security.

The meeting was attended by a large number of women members of parliament, along with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Minister for Public Affairs Rana Mubashir Iqbal, Ministers of State Shizra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal and Wajeeha Qamar, and Special Assistant Talha Burki.