Budget meeting delayed amid coalition differences, President and PM hold key consultative meeting

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Presidency in an important consultative meeting over delays in the federal budget session.

The meeting reviewed political, economic, and security matters, including the upcoming national budget, internal stability, and regional situation.

Senior leaders including the Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, and political adviser Rana Sanaullah attended the meeting.

The participants discussed concerns over coalition coordination and lack of trust among allied parties, which has led to repeated delays in the National Assembly budget session.

It was noted that the budget session, initially scheduled for 5 June, was later moved to 10 June and is now expected around 12 June.

President Zardari emphasized public relief, provincial rights, and economic stability in the upcoming budget, while the Prime Minister briefed the meeting on ongoing consultations with coalition partners.

Both leaders agreed to intensify political engagement to finalize a consensus so that the National Assembly session can be summoned without further delay.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also briefed the President on his recent visit to Iran and regional diplomatic contacts.

The meeting concluded with agreement to continue consultations on the federal budget and national policy matters.