Govt allies set to resume talks

KARACHI:

The PML-N leadership has decided to advance talks with its key coalition partner, the PPP, to address the latter's concerns and demands.

In the first phase, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari are expected to meet again soon to review the PPP's reservations, including matters related to the rehabilitation of flood-affected communities, and to work towards their resolution.

According to senior PML-N sources, the prime minister has briefed party leader Nawaz Sharif on the progress made so far in discussions with the PPP. It has been agreed that the dialogue process with the coalition partner will continue.

The sources said a meeting will also be held soon to take up the PPP's concerns regarding Punjab. Senior PML-N leaders, the Punjab chief minister, and key PPP representatives are expected to attend.

The session will focus on strengthening PML-N–PPP relations at the provincial level.