Shazia Marri, the Central Information Secretary of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), clarified on Friday that her party is not exerting undue pressure on the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) regarding the federal budget, despite recent disagreements.
Following Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb’s presentation of the budget for the upcoming fiscal year earlier this month, tensions arose between the PPP, a key ally of the ruling PML-N, and the government.
Marri explained that the PPP had voiced significant objections to the budget proposals, alleging that the PML-N had unilaterally prepared the budget without consulting them. To address these issues, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari convened a meeting in Islamabad.
Sources disclosed that during the meeting, Bhutto-Zardari expressed concerns while pledging assistance to pass the budget, and Prime Minister Shehbaz assured him of addressing the PPP’s reservations.
Marri emphasized that the PPP’s approach is rooted in negotiation rather than coercion, stating, “We are not blackmailing anyone, we’re politely conveying our concerns.” She underscored the party’s legitimate apprehensions regarding the federal budget.
In response to Marri’s statements, the PM’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah characterized the meeting between Sharif and Bhutto-Zardari as conducted in a cordial atmosphere. Sanaullah assured that two committees have been formed to address these concerns through mutual understanding, clarifying that while the PPP has not assumed any ministries, it remains an integral part of the government. Discussions during the meeting also encompassed issues related to both the federal and Punjab budgets.
Marri also addressed a distressing incident involving a camel that was subjected to severe mistreatment in Mundh Jamrao. She revealed that six individuals have been apprehended in connection with the incident, where the camel was physically assaulted and had its leg mutilated. The camel has since been relocated to Karachi for treatment, with Marri personally overseeing the case, ensuring the animal receives care and rehabilitation over the next two months, including the provision of an artificial leg.
Regarding the ongoing electricity crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Sanaullah attributed the persisting load-shedding issues to electricity theft and low bill payment rates. He condemned the illegal takeover of a grid station, stressing that such actions challenge the state’s authority. Sanaullah referenced recent incidents where PTI-affiliated MNA Zulfiqar Khan forcibly restored power supply to grid stations, prompting legal actions from the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco) against the politician.
These developments highlight the intricate political landscape and socio-economic challenges currently facing Pakistan, ranging from budgetary disputes to issues of governance and law enforcement.
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