Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Wednesday agreed to maintain close collaboration between federal and provincial institutions to ensure the successful completion of projects of national importance.

The meeting was the first between the prime minister and the PPP chairman since differences emerged between the coalition partners over the federal budget presented last week. Reports had suggested that the PPP was considering boycotting the budget session over concerns that its recommendations and proposals had not been adequately incorporated. However, following last-minute negotiations, the party decided to attend the session.

Read: Bilawal joins budget session after rumours of PPP boycott

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders discussed matters of political and national importance, as well as development projects and the federal budget.

Bilawal paid tribute to PM Shehbaz, Field Marshal Asim Munir for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting global peace in the context of the situation in the Middle East.

The two leaders also exchanged views on issues of mutual interest concerning the country’s political landscape and national affairs.

During the meeting, they reviewed ongoing development projects being carried out by the federal government in Sindh and also discussed the federal budget.

The prime minister emphasised that effective coordination and cooperation between the federation and provinces were essential for national development.

“The participants agreed to continue close collaboration between federal and provincial institutions to ensure the successful completion of projects of national importance and the provision of better facilities to the public,” the statement said.

Bilawal also thanked the prime minister for his support in the government formation process in Gilgit-Baltistan.

DPM Dar, Finance Minister Aurangzeb, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, and Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema also attended the meeting.

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The PPP and the government had been at odds over the federal budget, with the party expressing concerns over the reported exclusion of its recommendations and proposals and raising reservations over unresolved issues.

Bilawal was reportedly dissatisfied with the budget, saying it differed from the document previously shared with the PPP. 

On Tuesday, the PPP conveyed its concerns regarding the budget to Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and indicated that Bilawal would not participate in the ongoing budget debate in the National Assembly unless the party’s reservations were addressed.

The PPP is the principal coalition partner in the PML-N-led government, and its support has been instrumental in helping the federal government secure both a simple majority and, when required, a two-thirds majority in parliament.