PML‑N and PPP Set for Additional Pre‑Budget Talks Ahead of June 10 Presentation

ISLAMABAD: With the federal budget for FY 2026‑27 slated for June 10, the two leading ruling coalition partners, PML‑N and PPP, have continued their consultations on the proposed fiscal measures. A further pre‑budget meeting is planned for later this week.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed on Wednesday that the budget will be tabled on June 10.

Sources say the upcoming meeting will be attended by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto‑Zardari, who is expected to return from his election campaign in Gilgit‑Baltistan before the June 7 polls.

PPP officials describe these sessions as routine pre‑budget discussions focused on taxation and related measures, noting that several rounds may be held before the budget session.

A PPP leader indicated that the party is working to reach an agreement with the government on fiscal measures in light of recent IMF requirements, adding that they are dissatisfied with the current budget draft.

Another source noted that the consultations have been delayed because IMF approval arrived “too late”.

PPP representatives told Dawn that they oppose new taxes and hope the government will revise its taxation approach to provide relief to inflation‑hit households.

Party officials emphasized that the government should broaden the tax base rather than increase pressure on those already paying taxes.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the government will strive to improve enforcement and expand the tax net.

A statement from the deputy prime minister’s office said that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and the finance minister met with PPP leaders as part of routine pre‑budget consultations.

The talks covered current expenditure, development spending priorities—including the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP)—as well as broader economic goals such as fiscal sustainability, public‑welfare measures, development initiatives, and inclusive growth for FY 2026‑27, according to the official handout.

“It was unanimously agreed to recommend to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif @CMShehbaz that the Budget for fiscal year 2026–2027 be announced on Wednesday, 10 June 2026.”

The meeting was attended by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, MNA Syed Naveed Qamar, Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, Federal Finance Secretary Imdadullah Bosal, FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial, and other senior officials from the relevant ministries and departments.

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