Bilawal rues PML-N govt’s ‘weak strategy’ on Budget 2024-25

• Bilawal says PPP was not taken on board over Budget 2024-25. 
• Says PPP took all stakeholders in confidence in its previous terms.
• Says free and fair elections benefit PPP, eventually. 

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has once again criticised its key ally in the Centre, the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), for what he said not taking his part’s input in the preparation of the Budget 2024-25.

“The opposition should be engaged in matters related to budget and economy. The government’s strategy regarding the budget was very weak,” said Bilawal addressing a press conference flanked by Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti at the CM House in Quetta on Friday. 

“The overall economic situation in the country has attracted criticism from various quarters,” the PPP chief said adding that the allies of the ruling coalition would have been approached, had there been a consultation process in place.

Bilawal’s criticism comes after the tax-heavy budget cruised through the National Assembly following its endorsement by the ruling alliance, including the PPP. On June 30, President Asif Ali Zardari greenlighted the Finance Bill 2024, which went into effect on July 1, which marks the beginning of the next fiscal year.

The federal government presented the tax-loaded Rs18.877 trillion budget for fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25) two weeks ago, drawing sharp criticism from opposition parties, which termed it “economic terrorism” against the people.

“The PPP sticks to what it says. We are not forcing that all our recommendations should be accepted,” Bilawal said adding that the PPP-led government would bring everything to the lower and upper houses of parliament after creating consensus in its 2008-13 stint in power in the Centre. 

Responding to a question on election rigging, he said that the PPP witnessed rigging in every election, adding that free and fair elections would benefit the PPP, eventually.

The PPP’s political rivals are destined to wail and whine whether they win the elections or lose them.

He also said that the party would send its representatives to the All Parties Conference (APC) being convened by the federal government to evolve consensus on the newly launched Operation Azm-e-Istehkam. The PPP will put forward its stance regarding the situation in Balochistan, said Bilawal.

The Balochistan CM has prioritised improving the law and order situation in the province, he said adding that his party will make efforts to engage all stakeholders and political forces.