Both leaders discuss budget, Sindh projects and political issues during the meeting in Islamabad
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari calls on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Wednesday. Photo: PMO
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Wednesday agreed to maintain close cooperation between federal and provincial institutions to ensure successful implementation of projects of national importance.
The meeting was the first between the prime minister and the PPP chairman since differences emerged between the coalition partners over the federal budget presented last week. Reports had suggested that the PPP was considering boycotting the budget meeting over concerns that its recommendations and suggestions had not been adequately incorporated. However, after last-minute negotiations, the party decided to attend the session.
Read: Bilawal attends budget session after rumors of PPP boycott
According to a statement from the prime minister’s office, the two leaders discussed issues of political and national importance as well as development projects and the federal budget.
Bilawal hailed Prime Minister Shehbaz, Field Marshal Asim Munir for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting global peace in the context of the Middle East situation.
PMO Abad: 17 January 2026
Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif met with the Chairman of Pakistan People’s Party, Part Palbaz Zardari, today in Islamabad. Senator Shiri Rahman and the head of the Qaumi Assembly Syed Naveed Qamar were also accompanied by the Chairman of the Pakistani Party.
Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party Middle Eastern… pic.twitter.com/wH6nIPtM4G
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) June 17, 2026
The two leaders also exchanged views on issues of mutual concern regarding the country’s political landscape and national affairs.
During the meeting, they reviewed the ongoing development projects being carried out by the federal government of Sindh and also discussed the federal budget.
The Prime Minister emphasized that effective coordination and cooperation between the federation and the provinces was essential for national development.
“The participants agreed to continue close cooperation between federal and provincial institutions to ensure the successful implementation of projects of national importance and the provision of better facilities to the public,” the statement said.
Bilawal also thanked the Prime Minister for his support in the government formation process in Gilgit-Baltistan.
DPM Dar, Finance Minister Aurangzeb, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Finance Minister Ahad Cheema also attended the meeting.
Also readCM Murad unveils Rs3.56tr Sindh budget, raises wages and minimum wage
The PPP and the government had been at odds over the federal budget, with the party expressing concern over the reported exclusion of its recommendations and proposals and raising reservations over unresolved issues.
Bilawal was reportedly unhappy with the budget, saying it differed from the document shared with the PPP earlier.
On Tuesday, the PPP conveyed its concerns regarding the budget to Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and indicated that Bilawal would not participate in the ongoing budget debate in the National Assembly unless the party’s reservations were addressed.
The PPP is the main coalition partner in the PML-N-led government, and its support has been instrumental in helping the federal government secure both a simple majority and, when required, a two-thirds majority in parliament.
