Asif Done
Having received confirmation of certain guarantees from Shahbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has expressed willingness to cooperate to pass the federal budget.
Yesterday, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari met with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and voiced his reservations. A list of demands was presented during the meeting. According to reports, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari – accompanied by Yousaf Raza Gillani, Naveed Qamar, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Sherry Rehman, and Khurshid Shah – went to the Prime Minister’s House for the meeting. While talking to Shahbaz Sharif, Bilawal Bhutto said that the government is not taking us into confidence in decision-making and is also not showing seriousness regarding various projects in Sindh on a federal level.
Bilawal Bhutto expressed a lack of trust in the federal budget from PPP and disappointment in the non-consultation. He said that we had supported the government under an agreement, but now it is necessary for the government to act upon that agreement. The PPP Chairman also voiced concerns about steps taken against the Punjab Government’s action against PPP, stating that the Provincial Government is restricting PPP in Punjab.
Shahbaz Sharif agreed with most of Bilawal Bhutto’s points and constituted committees to resolve them. Today, committees from the PPP and the Government will discuss further matters in light of this meeting between the Prime Minister and Bilawal Bhutto.
The Prime Minister stated that positive signals are coming out about the economy as indicated by the stock market, where the business community confirmed the budget, which shows economic growth & public welfare. However, he added that the new fiscal year budget had been made pro-poor, and more relief-oriented measures have been considered. Meanwhile, PM Shahbaz assured BBZ↑↓ that all those worries were being addressed. Henceforth, he comes up with cooperation over budgets.
The gathering likewise included Khawaja Saad Rafique, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar Dar, Finance Minister Mohammad Aurangzeb, and Data Pastor Atta Tarar. They scheduled the event for 4 p.m. yesterday but delayed it until evening. After the meeting, Shahbaz Sharif hosted a dinner in honor of the PPP Chairman and delegation.
Yesterday, a delegation of foreign experts led by former Georgian Prime Minister Nika Gilauri also met with. The prime minister will discuss reforms in the power sector.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif emphasized that. The government prefers disqualifying electricity distribution companies and is working on a policy to reduce circular debts. Georgia will utilize its experience in power sector reforms and outsourcing. The government will discourage expensive electricity production and promote alternative energies, especially solar energy. The government will promote public-private partnerships in the energy sector and introduce reforms to reduce electricity unit rates.
The Prime Minister visited the newly established National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) with federal ministers and secretaries. He stated that the National Disaster Management Authority will be a protective wall against climate change impacts for Pakistan. Climate change has placed Pakistan in the list of red zones and ten severely affected countries. We must not lose hope but work hard.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif appreciated the inclusion of standard human resources. And the establishment of a Third-Party Validation Mechanism in the NMDA. Which ensured government support and funding for training and equipment procurement.
