ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s federal budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 is now expected to be presented on June 10 at 5:00 PM, following a revision to the government’s original schedule. The move comes as authorities continue critical negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and seek broader consensus among coalition partners on key fiscal measures.
According to government sources, formal summaries for convening both the National Assembly and the Senate have already been forwarded. While the parliamentary session scheduled for June 5 will proceed to discuss the country’s economic situation, the formal presentation of the federal budget has been shifted to the new date. An official notification is expected to be issued shortly.
The delay is largely linked to ongoing discussions with the IMF under Pakistan’s $7 billion bailout programme. Officials familiar with the talks said negotiations remain focused on revenue measures, expenditure controls and financing arrangements required to meet programme targets. One of the most sensitive issues under discussion is the size of provincial fiscal surpluses and how they can contribute to supporting federal financial requirements.
Government officials believe finalising these matters before presenting the budget is essential to ensuring policy consistency and maintaining confidence among international lenders and investors.
Political considerations have also played a role in the revised timetable. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the government required additional time to consult coalition partners and build consensus on budget proposals. He emphasized that maintaining support from allied parties remains a key challenge for coalition administrations and that further discussions were necessary before the budget’s formal presentation.
The minister rejected speculation that the postponement was connected to upcoming political developments in Gilgit-Baltistan, describing the decision as primarily administrative and consultative in nature.
The rescheduling follows the postponement of the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, which was expected to be chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The council was set to review a combined federal and provincial development programme worth Rs4.715 trillion for the next fiscal year.
Reports indicate that the federal government is considering increasing the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) by Rs200 billion, which could raise the allocation to approximately Rs1.326 trillion. The proposed increase reflects the government’s focus on infrastructure, development projects and economic growth initiatives despite ongoing fiscal constraints.
Meanwhile, consultations with coalition partners, particularly the Pakistan Peoples Party, are continuing as the government works to secure support for the budget and maintain political stability ahead of the crucial parliamentary session.
The June 10 budget presentation is expected to outline the government’s fiscal priorities, economic reforms and development agenda at a time when Pakistan faces significant economic challenges while pursuing stability under the IMF programme.
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