Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), has reiterated his criticism of the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), a major ally in the government. He accused them of excluding his party from preparing the 2024-25 Budget.
“The opposition should be involved in budget and economic discussions. The government’s budget strategy was notably weak,” stated Bilawal during a press conference at the CM House in Quetta, accompanied by Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti.
He noted that the overall economic situation has drawn widespread criticism. “Had there been a consultation process, the ruling coalition’s allies would have been approached,” he added.
This critique follows the tax-heavy budget’s passage through the National Assembly, endorsed by the ruling alliance, including the PPP. On June 30, President Asif Ali Zardari approved the Finance Bill 2024, effective from July 1, marking the start of the fiscal year.
The federal government had presented a tax-loaded Rs18.877 trillion budget for fiscal year 2024-25, which opposition parties sharply criticized as “economic terrorism” against the citizens.
Addressing election rigging, he mentioned that the PPP had observed rigging in every election, emphasizing that fair elections would ultimately benefit the PPP.
Bilawal also mentioned the party’s plans to participate in the All Parties Conference (APC) convened by the federal government to discuss Operation Azm-e-Istehkam. The PPP intends to present its views on the situation in Balochistan.
Chief Minister Bugti has prioritized improving law and order in Balochistan, and Bilawal expressed his party’s commitment to engage all stakeholders and political forces in addressing these issues.
