ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari held a key meeting on Wednesday amid ongoing consultations over the federal budget for FY2026-27, with both leaders stressing the need for close coordination between the federation and provinces to advance economic development and ensure smooth implementation of public projects.
The meeting took place as the government seeks parliamentary approval for the federal budget and follows reports that the PPP has raised concerns over certain fiscal provisions and budgetary allocations.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders discussed matters of national importance, the federal budget, development initiatives, and the evolving regional situation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized that effective cooperation between the federal and provincial governments was essential for sustaining economic growth and accelerating development projects across the country.
“Close coordination and collaboration between the Centre and provinces are indispensable for national development and economic progress,” the prime minister said during the meeting.
Both leaders agreed that stronger institutional cooperation would help ensure the timely completion of development projects and improve the delivery of public services.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of reported reservations expressed by the PPP regarding certain budgetary changes. According to media reports, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has postponed delivering a planned budget speech pending a detailed briefing from party leaders on fiscal matters.
Sources cited in reports said the PPP had conveyed its concerns during a recent meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The party reportedly reiterated its support for grants linked to defence expenditures in view of the prevailing security environment but raised questions regarding allocations it believed could be interpreted as politically motivated.
During Wednesday’s meeting, the two sides also reviewed the progress of federally funded development projects in Sindh and discussed measures to further strengthen cooperation between the federation and provincial governments.
Bilawal thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for supporting the process of government formation in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The PPP chairman also commended the government’s diplomatic efforts amid ongoing developments in the Middle East, paying tribute to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their role in promoting international peace initiatives.
The meeting was attended by senior government and PPP leaders, including Senator Sherry Rehman, MNA Syed Naveed Qamar, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, and Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema.
The consultations are being closely watched as the government seeks to secure broad political backing for the FY2026-27 budget and maintain coalition unity during the parliamentary approval process.