string of meetings between the top leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and the Pakistan Peoples Party have highlighted the ongoing efforts to paper over the recent differences, especially the federal budget and power sharing in the Punjab.

Serious differences between the two allies had attracted spot light during the budget session.

PPP leaders have been expressing their dissatisfaction with administrative and parliamentary affairs ever since the PML-N formed the federal government with the help of the PPP and other groups. The PPP played its cards really well and secured important constitutional offices including the presidency and governorships of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Punjab. In Sindh, it formed its government single-handedly. In Balochistan, it is leading a coalition government with the PML-N and other components.

The differences erupted when the PPP asked Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to release the funds held back by the caretaker government for the 2024-25. However, his current financial team did not let the PM make the desired commitment. Next, the PPP demanded a chunk of the federal development spending for Sindh beyond the budget. The PPP also submitted some proposals for the budget about privatisation, poverty alleviation and relief to the masses that were not included in the plans shared with the party ahead of the budget speech. The PPP also demanded chairmanship of more standing committees in the National Assembly than proposed by the........

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