By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday met a delegation of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) led by Federal Minister for Education and party convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, in a meeting focused on budget-related proposals and governance priorities ahead of fiscal planning.
According to official briefings, the delegation presented a set of recommendations concerning the forthcoming budget, with particular emphasis on urban development needs, municipal governance challenges and resource allocation for Karachi and other urban centres where MQM maintains a strong political presence.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister directed relevant federal authorities to examine the proposals in detail and develop a feasible and comprehensive plan of action. Officials said the instruction reflected an attempt to incorporate coalition partner inputs into the budget-making process while maintaining fiscal discipline and policy coherence.
The discussions also covered broader administrative and development issues, with MQM representatives reiterating long-standing concerns over infrastructure deficits, civic services and local government empowerment in Sindh’s urban areas. Government sources said the Prime Minister acknowledged the points raised and assured the delegation that their suggestions would be given due consideration within the national budget framework.
Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif emphasised the need for coordinated policymaking between federal stakeholders and coalition partners, stressing that budgetary decisions should reflect both economic constraints and public service delivery priorities.
The meeting was described by officials as part of a wider consultation process with allied political parties as the government moves towards finalising fiscal proposals.
