Bilawal Meets Shehbaz with Key Demands as Budget Talks Intensify

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari held a second high-level meeting in two weeks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday, signalling a new phase in behind-the-scenes negotiations as the federal budget approaches. Accompanied by senior PPP leaders, Bilawal presented a list of demands likely linked to fiscal allocations aligned with the party’s political agenda.

While the government issued no formal statement beyond referring to the discussion as a “consultation,” political insiders believe the PPP is leveraging its coalition role to influence critical spending decisions. The timing of the meeting has drawn close scrutiny, with many observers suggesting that Bilawal’s proposals could reshape key components of the upcoming budget.

Alongside fiscal matters, national security was also on the table. The two leaders exchanged views on recent regional tensions, particularly after the Pahalgam incident in Indian-administered Kashmir. The PPP delegation expressed strong support for Pakistan’s armed forces, echoing a unified political stance against what they described as India’s aggressive policies.

Prime Minister Sharif condemned India’s actions, including its decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a form of “water warfare.” He accused New Delhi of leveling baseless accusations against Pakistan and said the government would raise the issue at the United Nations.

The meeting concluded with consensus on a long-debated power sector reform. Control of electricity distribution companies will be devolved to provincial governments within two months — a move PPP officials publicly supported.

The presence of key PPP figures such as Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, and former National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf further highlighted the party’s alignment with the federal government’s reform plans, even as political dynamics remain fluid.