ISLAMABAD: The delay in the federal budget has been caused by a political deadlock over key legislation, parliamentary sources said on Tuesday.
According to sources, the government wants to pass important legislation before the budget session, as the proposed laws are expected to have significant implications for the upcoming fiscal year. However, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is opposing the proposed amendments.
Sources said PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has conveyed a clear stance during his address in Shigar Valley, adding that the party is resisting the proposed legislative changes. If the amendments are not approved before the budget session, changes in the next financial year may not be possible.
Parliamentary sources further revealed that efforts are underway to convince the PPP, with key political figures assigned the task of negotiations.
They added that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is currently busy with election campaigning in Gilgit-Baltistan, and a new date for the budget session is likely to be announced only after securing his agreement.
Meanwhile, The federal government will not present the budget on June 5, according to official sources.
Sources said the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for June 3 has been postponed, and a formal notification has also been issued.
Officials added that a new date for the federal budget presentation has not yet been finalized. However, it is likely to be presented on either June 8 or June 12.
Meanwhile, sources in the National Assembly said June 10 is also being considered as a possible date for the budget presentation.
According to the notification, a new date for the NEC meeting will be announced later.