ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Aiwan-e-Sadr on Monday to discuss national security, the economic outlook, the upcoming federal budget and key political developments.
Participants reviewed the national security situation, internal and regional developments, economic conditions, the next fiscal year’s budget, the recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and matters related to law and order.
Discussing budget proposals and public relief measures, President Zardari emphasized the need to prioritize public welfare, provincial rights and economic stability in the upcoming federal budget. He also directed that efforts be made to align economic growth objectives with welfare-oriented initiatives.
Sources said technical committees from both sides would continue consultations on a number of practical and implementable points that still require further deliberation.
During a meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated President Asif Ali Zardari on the PPP’s performance in the recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan.
According to sources, Sharif remarked with a smile that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had run a better election campaign than his rivals.
Sources said Raja Faisal Rathore also attended the meeting, where participants discussed the latest developments in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and other matters of national importance.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi briefed the president on his recent visit to Iran and regional diplomatic engagements.
More read, PM Shehbaz congratulates PPP on victory in Gilgit-Baltistan elections
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and the prime minister’s adviser on political affairs Rana Sanaullah.
