**PPP Demands PML-N Consultation Over Development Budget**
**(Image: Shows PM Shehbaz Sharif and former President Asif Ali Zardari)**
Islamabad: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is gearing up to challenge the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on the upcoming year’s budget, according to sources familiar with backdoor negotiations between the two parties.
The PPP, a crucial partner in the PML-N-led coalition government, has requested consultations on the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), sources reveal.
Reportedly, the PML-N offered to consult with the PPP on Sindh’s development budget. However, the PPP rejected this offer, instead demanding a say in the development budget for the entire country. The government has requested additional time to consider the PSDP consultation demand.
Sources indicate that the PPP is prepared to “surprise” the PML-N if its demand for PSDP consultation is not met.
Tensions appear to be simmering between the two major political parties and coalition partners. The PPP has previously expressed concerns to the government, claiming that despite being a key ally, it is not being included in important decision-making processes. The party also feels marginalized in Punjab by the PML-N-led provincial government and objects to a unilateral federal decision to construct canals from the Indus River, which could potentially reduce Sindh’s water share.