PPP Chairman Bilawal agrees to join budget debate after talks with PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif successfully persuaded PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to participate in the ongoing National Assembly budget debate after the coalition partner had previously boycotted sessions due to grievances with the federal government. The breakthrough came following a high-level meeting at the PM House, where Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also played key roles in convincing the PPP leader to attend.

Bhutto-Zardari agreed to deliver his speech on the floor of the National Assembly, where he indicated he would share his reservations and concerns about the federal budget. Despite reaching an agreement, sources indicated the PPP leader remained unhappy with certain aspects, though another account suggested outstanding issues had been fully resolved during the meeting. The PPP had previously warned of boycotting the National Assembly session if their demands were not addressed, and Bhutto-Zardari had complained that the budget document presented in the house differed from versions shown during pre-budget consultations with the party.

During the meeting, PM Shehbaz emphasized the importance of effective coordination and cooperation between federal and provincial governments for national development and economic progress. Both leaders agreed on the necessity of sustained collaboration between federal and provincial institutions for timely project completion and improved public services. The discussions also covered development projects in Sindh province and the prevailing regional situation.

Bhutto-Zardari commended the Prime Minister and Field Marshal Asim Munir for Pakistan's diplomatic efforts in brokering a US-Iran peace deal, which is set to be signed on June 19th. He also thanked Shehbaz for his support in government formation processes in Gilgit-Baltistan. The meeting was attended by several senior officials including Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, and Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema.

PPP lawmakers have been actively participating in budget debates while maintaining the option of government support, though they have criticized various aspects of the finance bill. The resolution of tensions between the two coalition partners is significant for maintaining parliamentary stability and advancing the government's legislative agenda.