Govt, PPP agree on date for FY27 budget

ISLAMABAD: The federal government and the Pakistan Peoples Party have agreed to recommend to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that the federal budget for fiscal year 2026-27 be presented on June 10, following a consultative meeting in Islamabad on the upcoming budget, development spending and wider economic priorities.

The meeting was held between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and senior PPP leaders. Participants held detailed discussions on current expenditure and development spending priorities, particularly under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).

Those attending the meeting included Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, PPP leader Naveed Qamar, Senator Sherry Rehman and Senator Saleem Mandviwalla. Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro also took part. On behalf of the federal government, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa attended along with other senior officials.

Development and fiscal priorities discussed

The two sides reviewed ongoing and proposed development schemes, with the discussions focusing on fiscal sustainability, public welfare measures and inclusive economic growth for the next financial year. Officials said issues relating to Sindh’s development needs and water sector projects were also discussed in detail, reflecting provincial concerns within the broader federal budget framework.

Finance Secretary Imdadullah Bosal and Federal Board of Revenue Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial briefed the participants on budget matters, revenue projections and fiscal planning. The briefing also covered the government’s economic strategy for FY2026-27 as well as targets linked to development and macroeconomic stability.

Both sides agreed to continue consultations with allied parties as preparations for the budget enter the final stage. Public welfare, development initiatives and economic stability were identified as central priorities for the coming budget.

The meeting marked a step in efforts by coalition partners to align their positions on fiscal policy before the formal presentation of the budget.