• Party claims budget differs from figures shared during pre-budget consultations
• Questions provinces’ capacity to meet IMF-linked revenue targets
• Another round of talks expected soon
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Tuesday once again conveyed his concerns over the federal budget to Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, indicating that he would not speak during the ongoing budget debate in the National Assembly unless all of the party’s reservations were addressed.
“Bilawal sahib has decided that he will not deliver his speech unless all promises made by the government with the PPP regarding the budget are fulfilled,” a source close to the PPP chairman told Dawn after the meeting.
In the huddle with Dar held at Parliament House, Mr Bhutto-Zardari was accompanied by senior PPP leaders, including Sherry Rehman, Naveed Qamar, Raja Pervez Ashraf and Ijaz Jakhrani.
The source said Bhutto-Zardari appeared upset with the budget, stating that it was different from the document shared with the PPP. In fact, the government has shown us something different from what was presented in the National Assembly,” the source told Dawn. He added that another round of talks between Bhutto-Zardari and Dar was expected to be held soon.
Later, speaking to reporters after the meeting, the PPP leader expressed hope that their concerns would be addressed. “By the grace of Allah Almighty, our reservations will be addressed. We have again discussed the matter with Dar sb,” he said.
Responding to a question regarding the formation of a government in Gilgit-Baltistan after recent elections, Bhutto-Zardari expressed confidence that the PPP would form its government there.
Several rounds of talks had already taken place in recent weeks between the PPP leadership and the deputy prime minister on the budget issue.
Sources said the latest meeting indicated that either the government had not incorporated the PPP’s proposals or that key concerns remained unresolved.
The discussion also covered expenditure priorities, development spending, including the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), and broader economic issues such as fiscal sustainability, public welfare, development initiatives and inclusive growth.
The IMF has reportedly asked the federal government to introduce additional revenue measures worth around Rs430 billion in the upcoming budget, along with a similar amount expected from the provinces.
In this connection, the PPP asked Dar to suggest how provinces could increase their tax revenues. PPP leaders have opposed new taxes and hoped the government would change its approach to taxation to provide relief to the inflation-hit masses.
Another source told Dawn that the PPP team stressed during the meeting that the government should focus on broadening the tax base rather than exerting pressure on the same class.
