ISLAMABAD: Consultations were held between the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the government’s financial team over the upcoming federal budget, with both sides agreeing to continue discussions in the coming days before the presentation of the budget.
It was unanimously agreed to recommend to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that the budget for fiscal year 2026-2027 be announced on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
The PPP and the government reviewed both current and development expenditures, with particular focus on projects proposed under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). The participants also deliberated on issues relating to fiscal stability, public welfare and inclusive economic growth.
Sources said the two sides exchanged views on the government’s economic strategy and development targets for the 2026-27 fiscal year, while matters relating to Sindh’s development and water projects also came under discussion. During the session, the government finance team briefed the participants on budget-related matters and key fiscal proposals. Sources said the government has assured the PPP that no major legislation will be undertaken before the convening of the budget session. Sources said the meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) is also expected to be held after PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari returns to Islamabad. Bilawal is currently engaged in electioneering in Gilgit-Baltistan and is expected to continue campaigning until June 5, the final day of the election campaign. Government sources maintained that the PPP has been taken on board regarding budget preparations and continues to be consulted on key fiscal and policy matters. The meeting was attended by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, MNA Syed Naveed Qamar, Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Saleem Mandviwala, Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, Federal Secretary Finance Imdadullah Bosal, FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial and other senior officials from the ministries and relevant departments.
