The inside story of budget negotiations between the ruling PML-N and coalition partner PPP has come to light, revealing tense exchanges over IMF conditions, budget figures and development spending priorities.
According to sources, both sides met at the Finance Ministry to discuss the new fiscal year budget and agreed to continue consultations, with another round expected today.
An important consultative meeting was held at the Finance Ministry on the upcoming budget. Members of the ruling PML-N and the PPP attended the meeting and discussed the strategy for the new fiscal year budget.
Sources said both parties agreed that consultations would continue before final decisions are made.
PPP raises reservations over PSDP
According to sources, the PPP expressed reservations on some issues, including the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). The coalition party also raised concerns over certain budget targets.
Officials from both sides are expected to meet again today to continue discussions and try to resolve differences.
Tense exchange over IMF conditions
Sources said a tense moment occurred during the talks when the finance secretary referred to the strict conditions of the International Monetary Fund.
The secretary reportedly said that if the next government belonged to the PPP, it would then become clear how strict the IMF conditions are. The remark reflected the pressure facing the government as it prepares the budget under tight economic and fiscal constraints.
Sherry Rehman tries to cool down discussion
PPP leader Sherry Rehman attempted to calm the situation after the exchange, sources said. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also arrived at the meeting after some time and took part in the discussions.
According to sources, Dar said there were differences between the PML-N and PPP on some targets, but they would be resolved soon.
Sources said President Asif Ali Zardari had sent Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to obtain details of the budget. During the meeting, Murad Ali Shah asked Finance Ministry officials about the size of the budget.
“How much is the budget?” he reportedly asked. Shah also told officials that President Zardari had asked him to collect the budget figures.
According to sources, during the discussion with the Sindh chief minister, a remark was made that if that was the case, then he should present the budget himself.
The exchange highlighted the strain between the coalition partners as they negotiate key fiscal priorities.
Dar promises to share budget figures
Sources said Ishaq Dar promised to provide the budget figures to Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. Dar also assured participants that the differences between the PML-N and PPP over certain targets would be addressed soon.
The government and PPP have decided to continue consultations on the federal budget. Another meeting between the two sides is expected today as both parties work to settle disagreements before the budget is finalized.
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