Summary Emergency talks between the government and PPP failed to resolve budget disputes, with disagreements continuing over provincial funds, development projects, and subsidies.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - An emergency meeting between the government and its coalition partner, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), failed to resolve ongoing disagreements over the upcoming federal budget, with both sides remaining locked in negotiations.
Sources within the PPP said efforts are continuing from both sides to break the deadlock, as discussions remain underway regarding key financial and development-related concerns.
According to party sources, the PPP has raised objections over additional taxation measures involving provinces, subsidy allocations, and the distribution of development funds. Concerns have also been expressed over funding shortages for major infrastructure projects, including the K-IV water project and the Sukkur-Karachi Motorway.
Sources further stated that the party believes the government is prioritising funding for only one province while withholding allocations for several projects in other regions, contributing to tensions within the ruling alliance.
The PPP has formally submitted written recommendations regarding the budget to the government, which is currently reviewing the proposals before giving an official response.
Officials familiar with the discussions said another round of negotiations is expected after the government shares its position on the recommendations submitted by the coalition partner.
Earlier reports suggested that the federal government is seeking around Rs1.7 trillion in funds from provinces as part of broader fiscal arrangements ahead of the budget announcement.
Meanwhile, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said budget preparations are currently centred around achieving a financial target figure, adding that difficulties in finalising the budget will continue until the required resources are secured.
The continued disagreements have raised questions about whether coalition partners can reach consensus before the presentation of the federal budget for the next fiscal year.
