The government appears to have secured crucial support from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for the passage of the federal budget after both sides reached broad agreement on key budget proposals during a high-level meeting chaired by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at Aiwan e Sadr on Monday.
According to sources, the government and the PPP achieved consensus on most of their respective budget recommendations, significantly improving the prospects for smooth passage of the upcoming budget in Parliament.
Discussions on a limited number of proposals will continue through technical committees, while both sides also reviewed measures aimed at broadening the tax base and addressing fiscal challenges.
The meeting was attended by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, along with senior political leaders and lawmakers.
According to a statement issued by Aiwan e Sadr, participants discussed national security, internal and regional developments, economic affairs, law and order, and other matters of national importance. The meeting also reviewed recent elections in Gilgit Baltistan, the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and broader governance and security issues. The interior minister briefed the president on his recent visit to Iran and ongoing regional diplomatic engagements.
While reviewing budget proposals and public relief measures, President Zardari stressed that the upcoming federal budget should focus on public welfare, protection of provincial rights, and economic stability. He urged the government to ensure that economic growth objectives are aligned with initiatives aimed at improving public welfare.
Meanwhile, the federal budget for 2026-27 has been delayed for a second time after the government failed to finalize budgetary numbers and reach consensus with provinces on a proposed Rs. 1.7 trillion contribution toward defence, security, and social sector spending. Officials also continue to engage with the International Monetary Fund on key taxation, non taxation, and expenditure measures.
Sources said the decision to postpone the budget was taken during the meeting between the president and the prime minister. The National Economic Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday is now expected to be held on June 10 to approve the development program and macroeconomic framework for the next fiscal year.
The Economic Survey for fiscal year 2025-26 is now expected to be released on June 11, while the federal budget is likely to be presented before Parliament on June 12, marking the second postponement after it was initially scheduled for June 5 and later moved to June 10.
Correct, because Budget will be only.for the lavish lives of PMLN and PPP. Allah will take better revenge.
two robbe*s working together.