Government pushes budget presentation date again as consultations with coalition partners and IMF continue
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has once again postponed the presentation of the federal budget for fiscal year 2026-27, with the new date now set for June 12, according to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry.
The announcement follows multiple revisions to the budget schedule, which was initially planned for June 5, later moved to June 10, and has now been further delayed as consultations continue within the coalition government.
Budget to be presented in National Assembly
The minister confirmed that Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb will present the federal budget for 2026-27 before the National Assembly on June 12.
He added that a summary has been sent to convene sessions of both the National Assembly and the Senate, with the lower house expected to meet at 5pm on June 10, while the upper house session is scheduled for 4pm the same day.
Delays amid ongoing consultations
The federal budget timeline has faced repeated delays amid negotiations with coalition partners over key fiscal measures. Officials said discussions are ongoing to finalise revenue proposals, expenditure plans and macroeconomic targets.
The National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, initially scheduled for June 8, was also postponed for the third time, further slowing the approval of the development outlay and broader economic framework.
Sources said that consultations between the government and coalition allies, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), have helped narrow differences, although some technical issues are still being resolved.
IMF coordination and fiscal planning
The budget is being prepared in coordination with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), coalition partners and other stakeholders. Authorities are focusing on improving tax administration, strengthening enforcement mechanisms and expanding the tax base.
Officials have indicated that while efforts are being made to avoid introducing new taxes, fiscal consolidation and economic stabilisation remain key priorities.
Development budget and constitutional timeline
According to official documents, the government has proposed a development budget exceeding Rs1.1 trillion for the upcoming fiscal year 2026-27, with allocations spread across key sectors.
Under constitutional requirements, the federal budget must be passed before June 30 to take effect from July 1 across the country.
The repeated postponements highlight ongoing challenges in balancing political consensus, economic reforms and fiscal planning as Pakistan prepares its financial roadmap for the new fiscal year.
