ISLAMABAD: The differences between the PML-N and PPP on the budget for the upcoming fiscal year stood dissolved on Thursday after PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to assure him of his party’s support for the crucial finance bill.
Sources told Dawn that the differences have fizzled out, with both sides agreeing to support each other and cooperate on issues of mutual concern. According to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, some “minor” reservations had been expressed by the PPP, which would be resolved by the government through talks.
He said the government also formed a committee led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to take up the issue with the PPP and would take the dialogue forward in light of the meeting between Shehbaz Sharif and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.
On the other hand, PPP sources said the premier agreed with the party chairperson on most issues as the latter expressed annoyance with him for bypassing his party on budget matters. Mr Bhutto-Zardari complained that the PPP had joined the government under an agreement with which the PML-N did not comply. The PM also formed a committee to resolve the disagreement.
During the meeting, Mr Bhutto-Zardari told the premier that the PML-N government in Punjab was creating difficulties for the PPP in the province. According to insiders, a meeting between the committees of the government and the political party would likely be held on Friday (today) to proceed in light of the PM-Bilawal moot.
It may be noted that the PPP is not happy with the privatisation plan proposed by the PML-N to reform the state-owned entities. It has concerns about the development budget as well.