Positive Progress Expected from PPP, Says Rana Sanaullah

(Digital Itla) The Prime Minister's Advisor on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, has stated that the availability of financial resources is the biggest challenge in preparing the federal budget, and the government is considering various options in this regard. Speaking on a Geo News program, he mentioned that a specific financial target has been set for the budget; however, until resources are arranged according to this target, finalizing the budget will remain difficult. He added that the government is hopeful that the ongoing consultations with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) will yield a positive outcome.

On the other hand, according to sources, the dialogue between the government and the PPP regarding the budget is likely to take place tomorrow instead of today. Sources stated that an important meeting of President Asif Ali Zardari and the PPP negotiating team will be held tonight to deliberate on the budget strategy and government proposals. Following this internal consultation, the schedule for the meeting with the government's negotiating team will be finalized. According to sources, the federal government is seeking around PKR 1,700 billion in funds from the provinces. The federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year can only be finalized once these resources are secured.