Federal budget 2026-27 to be unveiled on June 10, says Aurangzeb

-- Says government engaged in consultations with allies and IMF

ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Wednesday confirmed that the federal budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 will be presented on June 10, as the government continues consultations with coalition partners and finalises key fiscal measures.

Speaking to the media, the finance minister said discussions with allied political parties had been constructive and another round of consultations was expected later this week.

He emphasised that the government would proceed in close coordination with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), coalition partners and other stakeholders while focusing on enhancing tax collection through stronger enforcement measures and expansion of the tax base.

Aurangzeb also underlined the government's commitment to avoiding additional tax burdens on citizens, stating that efforts were underway to ensure no new taxes were imposed in the upcoming budget.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar later formally confirmed June 10 as the date for the budget presentation following a high-level consultation meeting with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaders.

Finance Minister Aurangzeb accompanied Dar during the meeting, where participants reviewed current expenditure requirements, development priorities and the overall fiscal framework for the next financial year.

According to an official statement, both sides unanimously agreed to recommend to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif that the federal budget for fiscal year 2026-27 be presented on June 10.

The PPP delegation included Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Syed Naveed Qamar, Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Saleem Mandviwala and Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro.

The consultations focused on the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), fiscal sustainability, public welfare initiatives and strategies for inclusive economic growth.

Senior government officials, including Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, Finance Secretary Imdadullah Bosal, FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial and representatives from relevant ministries, also attended the meeting.

The federal government has proposed a development budget exceeding Rs1.1 trillion for fiscal year 2026-27, reflecting its focus on infrastructure, economic growth and public sector investment.

The National Assembly and Senate will convene on June 5 to commence proceedings related to the federal budget.

According to a statement issued by the Presidency, the National Assembly session will begin at 5pm, followed by the Senate session at 6pm.

The government aims to complete parliamentary debate and approval of budgetary proposals by June 24.

Under constitutional requirements, the federal budget must be passed before June 30 to ensure its implementation from July 1, the beginning of the new fiscal year.

The confirmation of the budget date comes amid reports that discussions with provinces and ongoing negotiations with the IMF had contributed to delays in finalising budget estimates and development allocations.