The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has confirmed its decision to vote in favor of the Federal Budget 2024-25 during the National Assembly session. Key figures, including PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Asefa Bhutto Zardari, are expected to attend and participate in the voting process.
PPP has instructed all its Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) to be present for the voting session. This decision was reached after extensive negotiations with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), resulting in the PML-N conceding to several of the PPP’s demands. The agreements include control over district administration, the appointment of law officers, representation on various boards and authorities, early scheduling of local body elections, and equitable distribution of development funds among lawmakers from both parties.
However, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and MNA Hamza Shehbaz Sharif will not be attending the budget voting session, having abstained from pre-budget discussions as well.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had previously indicated potential support for the budget to maintain political stability, despite describing it as being “of the babus, by the babus and for the babus.” The government has also assured the PPP of merit-based recruitment in Punjab, with the PPP being allowed to recommend certain district appointments.