PML-N assures PPP its woes will be resolved

Key ally complains about being ignored in Punjab

ISLAMABAD:

The PPP, which has reservations about what it sees as improper implementation of the power-sharing agreement with the PML-N, particularly pertaining to Punjab and the federal budget, was assured that its concerns would be addressed.

PPP leaders Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, Naveed Qamar and Sherry Rehman met with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and Rana Sanaullah, who represented the PML-N, a day after the presentation of the federal budget.

Sources said during the meeting that took place in the chamber of the Senate chairman, the PPP raised its foremost concern that it was facing difficulties in Punjab and that the PML-N was not serious in adhering to the reconciliatory pact reached between the two sides.

The PPP complained that it was being neglected in the administrative affairs of Punjab.

The party maintained that it was being ignored in the appointment of administrative officers in the province as well as when it came to development projects.

The PPP demanded the proper implementation of the power-sharing agreement.

It also expressed its reservations over not being taken into confidence before the federal budget was unveiled.

It complained that the budget proposals were ‘falsely’ attributed to the PPP and that there were rumours about taking its chairman, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, into confidence in this regard.

The top leadership of the PML-N contacted the PPP delegation during the negotiations.

The sources said the ruling party assured its coalition partner that its reservations would be addressed.

A day earlier, the PPP expressed its displeasure by making only a token appearance in the National Assembly’s budget session to send a warning shot to the PML-N.

Deputy PM Dar had to make a beeline for the PPP chairman’s chamber, pleading for the party’s attendance at the session.