By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has urged the government to prioritize public relief and welfare measures in the forthcoming budget, highlighting the critical need for political allies to unite and work collaboratively for the national interest. His call came during a high-profile meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Governor House in Lahore, signaling a renewed emphasis on consensus-building amid the country’s complex political landscape.
The gathering brought together key figures including Speaker of the National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, alongside Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider and Senator Saleem Mandviwala. This assembly of senior leaders provided a platform for wide-ranging discussions on Pakistan’s current political and security challenges, reflecting a shared awareness of the pressing issues facing the nation.
During the meeting, the leaders reviewed the prime minister’s recent diplomatic engagements with friendly countries, considering how these visits might bolster Pakistan’s standing on the international stage. Central to their dialogue was the importance of fostering stronger cooperation among political allies, a theme underscored by President Zardari’s appeal for unity to address the country’s economic and social hardships.
The emphasis on including welfare and public relief in the upcoming budget signals a recognition of the growing pressures on ordinary Pakistanis, many of whom are grappling with inflation and economic uncertainty. By advocating for measures that directly benefit the public, the president aims to ensure that government policy responds to the urgent needs of the people.
