“I don’t know which province is getting what share in giving relief to the people,” says PPP leader
KARACHI: Syed Khursheed Shah, a senior leader of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and a government ally, expressed concerns over the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) approach to preparing the federal budget. Shah is concerned about the lack of communication and involvement from the PPP in the budget formulation process.
“What kind of proposals? What kind of budget? The government did not say anything, nor did they take it into confidence,” stated Shah. He was unaware of the critical aspects of the budget, including privatization plans, tax policies, and development programs. “I don’t know which province is getting what share in giving relief to the people,” he added.
The PPP leader also questioned the transparency of the federal ministries’ plans, indicating that the PPP had not been informed about any new or existing initiatives. He further speculated on whether the budget was being independently crafted by the government or imposed by external entities like the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Shah said, “PPP has shared the entire burden of the government.” He expressed concern about the accountability the PPP would face from the public regarding the budget outcomes. “In the budget, the public will ask us what has been done, what we will answer?” he questioned.
Syed Khursheed Shah said: “It is a pity that we have to say this, the PML-N should have done it without saying it,” he remarked. “It is not possible to continue to see people being oppressed while supporting the government,” he asserted, signaling potential friction within the coalition.
