President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened a high-level meeting on Sunday at the Governor’s House in Lahore, where the focus remained firmly on ensuring meaningful relief for the common man in the upcoming budget for the fiscal year 2025–26.
The session was attended by key figures, including National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, and Senator Saleem Mandviwalla.
During the meeting, President Zardari urged the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led coalition government to take practical and people-centric steps in the upcoming budget, aiming to ease the burden on ordinary citizens struggling under inflation and economic pressure. “The government must prioritise public welfare in Budget 2025–26. Concrete measures should be taken to deliver direct and visible relief to the common man,” Zardari emphasized.
The leadership reviewed the overall political and security environment of the country, with detailed discussions on internal stability and coordination among coalition allies. The importance of unity in the current political landscape was underlined, as Zardari stressed that all political partners must “move forward together in the national interest,” especially during this critical time leading up to the budget presentation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif briefed attendees on the outcomes of his recent diplomatic engagements with friendly nations, highlighting their strategic significance for Pakistan’s foreign policy and economic recovery efforts. The participants also assessed how international cooperation could be leveraged for economic stability, particularly through aid, investment, and trade agreements, which may play a role in the fiscal planning behind the upcoming budget.
The federal government has officially confirmed that the budget for the next fiscal year will be presented on June 10, immediately after Eid ul Adha. With Eid expected to fall on June 7, June 9 (the third day of Eid) is expected to be declared a working day to ensure timely execution of economic proceedings. This includes the crucial meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) and the launch of the Economic Survey 2025, both scheduled for the same day.
Federal Finance Secretary Imdadullah Bosal dismissed all rumours regarding a potential delay in the budget presentation, asserting that the fiscal plan will be unveiled as scheduled. The government appears determined to meet its constitutional and economic deadlines, with the primary goal of restoring public confidence through a budget that addresses rising costs and economic hardships.