Islamabad: The federal government says Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will decide whether to accept the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) demand linking provincial financial cooperation with a meeting with jailed party founder Imran Khan, according to Beyond Time News.
The issue has added fresh political tension between the Centre and the PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government. It comes at a time when Pakistan is managing tight fiscal conditions under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.
Centre Says Final Decision Lies With Prime Minister
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the matter is not within the finance ministry’s authority. He said only the prime minister can take a final decision.
He made the remarks during an appearance on Geo News programme Capital Talk.
Aurangzeb said provinces are cooperating with the federal government on economic stability. However, he said political conditions attached to budget decisions are a separate issue.
He also confirmed that discussions with KP officials had been positive overall.
Provinces Supporting IMF-Linked Economic Stability
The finance minister praised all provinces for supporting Pakistan’s economic reform efforts.
He said the IMF programme requires coordination between the federal government and provinces.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) International Monetary Fund programme, he added, depends on shared responsibility between Islamabad and provincial governments.
Aurangzeb said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other provinces have played a role in maintaining fiscal discipline during the ongoing economic adjustment period.
He also described his recent meeting with KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and Finance Adviser Muzammil Aslam as constructive.
PTI Links Budget Process to Imran Khan Meeting
Tensions increased after PTI leader Barrister Salman Akram Raja said the KP government would move ahead with only a three-month budget plan if a meeting with Imran Khan is not arranged before June 30.
He said the party would not proceed with a full budget without consultation with its jailed leader.
He added that constitutional provisions allow a short-term budget arrangement if needed.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has repeatedly said that major decisions require consultation with Imran Khan, despite his imprisonment since 2023.
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Imran Khan’s Legal Situation
Imran Khan has been in jail since August 2023.
He was convicted in multiple cases involving corruption allegations and misuse of state gifts. He denies all charges and calls them politically motivated.
Some convictions have been suspended or overturned. Other cases are still under appeal.
His legal situation continues to influence political tensions between the Centre and KP government.
Debate Over Interim Budget Plan
PTI leaders say the Constitution allows the use of a temporary budget if needed.
Barrister Salman Akram Raja said a three-month budget framework is legally possible.
He said this approach would allow government operations to continue while political consultations take place.
KP officials have indicated support for this temporary arrangement if the issue remains unresolved.
Federal–Provincial Cooperation Remains Key
Despite political disagreements, the finance minister said cooperation between the Centre and provinces remains important.
He said Pakistan’s IMF programme depends on shared fiscal responsibility.
Officials say provincial spending control and coordination are essential for economic stability.
Political Tensions Continue to Rise
The dispute highlights growing political friction between the federal government and PTI.
Analysts say the situation reflects deeper mistrust between both sides.
At the same time, both parties have indicated they want to avoid disruption in financial planning.
Talks between federal and KP officials are expected to continue.
Conclusion
The federal government has left the final decision on PTI’s demand to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The issue links political negotiations with financial cooperation at a sensitive time for Pakistan’s economy.
As discussions continue, both sides face pressure to maintain fiscal stability while managing political differences.
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FAQs
1. What is PTI demanding from the federal government?
PTI is linking budget cooperation with arranging a meeting with jailed party leader Imran Khan.
2. Who will decide the matter?
Finance Minister says Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will take the final decision.
3. Why is the IMF programme important here?
Because Pakistan’s economic plan requires coordination between federal and provincial governments.
4. What is PTI proposing for KP’s budget?
A three-month temporary budget if talks with Imran Khan do not happen.
5. Why is Imran Khan central to this issue?
Because PTI insists major decisions require his approval despite his imprisonment.
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