Shehbaz meets Bilawal to address PPP concerns over federal budget

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday held talks with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari as the government moved to retain the support of a key coalition ally amid the budget debate for fiscal year 2026-27.

The meeting took place against the backdrop of PPP reservations over the federal budget. Bilawal had reportedly signalled that he would not speak in the ongoing National Assembly budget debate unless his party’s concerns were resolved. He had also expressed displeasure, saying the budget differed from the document shared with the PPP.

According to a news release, the meeting at the Prime Minister’s House covered matters of national importance, the federal budget, development projects and the regional situation. Bilawal was accompanied by Senator Sherry Rehman and MNA Syed Naveed Qamar.

Budget and development issues discussed

During the discussion on the budget, Prime Minister Shehbaz said effective coordination and close cooperation between the federal and provincial governments were necessary for national development and economic progress. The two sides also reviewed the pace of federal development schemes in Sindh and discussed ways to improve cooperation between the federation and the provinces.

Both leaders agreed that continued coordination between federal and provincial institutions was important for the timely completion of nationally significant projects and for improving public services and facilities for citizens.

Regional situation and political matters

The news release said Bilawal paid tribute to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at advancing global peace in light of the evolving situation in the Middle East.

Prime Minister Shehbaz and Bilawal also exchanged views on political developments and other matters of mutual interest. Bilawal thanked the prime minister for his support during the process of government formation in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema were also present at the meeting.