Dar reaches out to Bilawal over budget concerns

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has decided not to speak in the National Assembly until his party's reservations regarding the federal budget are addressed, sources said on Tuesday.

According to sources, the PPP leadership believes there are differences between the budget proposals previously shared with the party and the budget ultimately presented in Parliament.

Sources said Bilawal's concerns over the budget remain unresolved and that he will not deliver a speech in the National Assembly until the government's assurances satisfy the party's reservations.

Amid ongoing negotiations, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani visited Bilawal's office at Parliament House and held discussions on budget-related issues.

The meeting focused on concerns raised by the PPP regarding various budget proposals and possible measures to address them, sources said.

Following the meeting, Dar and Kayani left Bilawal's chamber after what sources described as an initial round of consultations.

Speaking briefly to reporters afterwards, Bilawal confirmed that discussions with the government on budget matters were continuing.

"Talks on budget-related concerns are ongoing," he said, adding that further discussions would be held following his meeting with Ishaq Dar.

Commenting on the political situation in Gilgit-Baltistan, Bilawal expressed confidence that the PPP would emerge as the leading party and form the next government in the region.

"We are hopeful of forming the government in Gilgit-Baltistan," he said.

The PPP has been a key ally of the ruling coalition, and its support is considered important for the smooth passage of the federal budget through Parliament.