ISLAMABAD: The federal government and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) engaged in comprehensive consultations concerning the Federal Budget for the fiscal year 2026-27. Discussions centered on development priorities, public welfare measures, and strategies to foster economic growth.
The meeting featured Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar alongside senior PPP leaders, with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, the Finance Secretary, and the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) also in attendance.
Representing the PPP were Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Syed Naveed Qamar, Sherry Rehman, and Saleem Mandviwalla. The participants exchanged views on development funding, sustainable economic policies, and priorities aimed at inclusive growth.
In a significant development, the discussions included the federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), public welfare initiatives, and the restructuring of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). The meeting also reviewed the PPP’s concerns regarding the upcoming budget, with the federal government agreeing to consider and incorporate development projects proposed by the PPP within the budget framework.
Both sides concurred on presenting the Federal Budget 2026-27 on June 10, allowing additional time for thorough consultations and consensus-building.
Separately, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry emphasized that consultation with coalition partners remains a vital responsibility of the government. He highlighted that the PPP and MQM-P, as major coalition partners, would have their practical recommendations integrated into the budget.
He further stated that the government aims to provide maximum relief to the public while minimizing the financial burden on citizens. The budget presentation date was postponed from June 5 to June 10 to facilitate extended dialogue and agreement.
Tariq Fazal Chaudhry also underscored the importance of passing the budget before June 30, noting that government expenditures cannot proceed without parliamentary approval. Additionally, he reiterated that the federal government lacks constitutional authority to withhold funds from provinces, confirming that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has received its rightful share as per the Constitution.
These consultations come as the government intensifies engagement with coalition partners, seeking broad political support for its economic and development agenda for the upcoming fiscal year.
