Rana Sanaullah, the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs, admitted that the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) Budget 2024-25 concerns are valid.
During a press conference, the PML-N Punjab president conceded that there had been insufficient consultation with the PPP but was reassured that their concerns would be addressed before the budget’s passage.
Sanaullah explained that while PPP had some involvement, it was not adequate. “There was some shortfall on our part, but the budget is still open to proposals,” he stated. He also emphasized the government’s commitment to passing the budget before the end of June.
Finance Minister Aurangzeb recently presented the Rs18.877 trillion relief-oriented federal budget for 2024-25. The session began nearly two hours late due to PPP’s expressed reservations about the development allocations. Although initially opting out of the budget session, PPP members later attended to ensure quorum despite the absence of party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
Sanaullah touched on past economic challenges, noting that conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) were more stringent 16 months ago but have since eased with the support of allied nations. He assured the government would curtail expenses and that the Prime Minister would address the nation again after a month.
The adviser highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to navigate Pakistan through economic difficulties, referencing significant setbacks from events in 2017-18. He credited the current coalition government for mitigating these crises and advancing national progress. Under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, he noted a crucial deal with the IMF, easing the terms to benefit the populace.
Addressing political dynamics, Sanaullah mentioned that Fazlur Rehman’s meeting with the PTI was a routine political activity, affirming the normalcy of completing constitutional tenures in parliament.
Furthermore, Sanaullah stressed the significance of reinstating the local government system to fulfill the democratic process and promised further action in the near future.
