Stalemate in PPP-PML-N talks amid budget dispute

ISLAMABAD: The meeting between the negotiation committees of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) ended without results.

The lengthy session, held at the Prime Minister’s House, lasted approximately four and a half hours.

According to sources, during the meeting, the PPP demands and reservations were thoroughly reviewed one by one. The PML-N expressed the hope that their concerns would be addressed promptly.

The PML-N negotiation committee also assured the PPP of further discussions with the provincial government and Nawaz Sharif regarding PPP’s reservations related to Punjab.

Following the inconclusive meeting, both negotiation committees agreed to reconvene in two days for a second round of talks, sources said.

The PPP delegation included Yusuf Raza Gilani, Raja Parvez Ashraf, Nadeem Afzal Chan and Ali Gilani, while the PML-N committee comprised Ayaz Sadiq, Rana Sanaullah, Khawaja Asif and Khawaja Saad Rafiq.

Meanwhile, PPP central leader Shazia Murri commented that the meeting between Bilawal Bhutto and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif did not yield fruitful results. She emphasised that the PPP remains committed to dialogue and anticipates future meetings.

Regarding the federal budget, Murri clarified that the PPP has voiced reservations in a constructive manner, asserting they are not resorting to coercion or blackmailing.

She said that during his recent meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz, Bilawal expressed serious concerns over allocations for development projects in Sindh, as well as the federal and Punjab budgets.

She said that the prime minister has assured Bilawal of addressing these reservations, affirming that concerns regarding the budget would be addressed and demands related to Punjab and Sindh would be considered.

Meanwhile, PPP central leader Shazia Murri commented that the meeting between Bilawal Bhutto and the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif did not yield fruitful results. She emphasised that the PPP remains committed to dialogue and anticipates future meetings.

Regarding the federal budget, Murri clarified that the PPP has voiced reservations in a constructive manner, asserting they are not resorting to coercion or blackmailing.

She said that during his recent meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz, Bilawal expressed serious concerns over allocations for development projects in Sindh, as well as the federal and Punjab budgets.

She said that the prime minister has assured Bilawal of addressing these reservations, affirming that concerns regarding the budget would be addressed and demands related to Punjab and Sindh would be considered.

Meanwhile, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has expressed concern over the divisive state of politics in Islamabad, emphasising that political animosity is harming society, as political parties are prioritising ego over the nation’s welfare.

Addressing a function to mark the late Benazir Bhutto’s birthday in Karachi’s Lyari area, Bilawal reiterated his commitment to the city and its people, highlighting Lyari’s enduring support for Benazir Bhutto and praised its resilience in the face of adversity.

Focusing on Karachi’s development, he emphasised the need for concerted efforts. He talked about the Sindh government’s initiatives to tackle Karachi’s issues, including efforts to improve electricity distribution and end load-shedding.

Regarding economic challenges, Bilawal underscored unemployment as a pressing issue and pledged the Sindh government’s dedication to generating employment through new projects.

Commenting on the national economic crisis, Bilawal criticised the exclusion of PPP’s input in the budget-making process, stressing the importance of inclusive governance for effective economic management.

He expressed optimism in the promises made by Shahbaz Sharif, indicating hope for collaborative efforts in addressing national challenges.

Bilawal called for unity and cooperation among political stakeholders to navigate Pakistan through these difficult times, urging for collective responsibility in managing the country’s economy.