Islamabad : Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday expressed confidence that the federal budget for the next financial year will place the country’s economy on a stronger and faster growth path.
Chairing a special session of the Federal Cabinet in Islamabad to approve the budget proposals for the upcoming fiscal year, the prime minister said the economy remains stable despite continuing challenges.
He noted that this is the third budget of the current government, adding that in the previous two budgets, taxation measures were introduced in line with national requirements and commitments with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), with the broader aim of stabilising the economy and expanding development opportunities.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the upcoming budget will include tax relief and other supportive measures aimed at accelerating economic growth, which would be presented before the cabinet for final approval.
He also referred to his recent discussion with the Managing Director of the IMF, stating that she had acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan’s economic performance.
The prime minister further shared that detailed consultations had been held with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on the federal budget, while other coalition partners extended full and unconditional support to the proposed financial plan.
He said consultations were also held with provincial governments regarding additional fiscal requirements of the federation and appreciated their cooperative, open, and constructive approach.
During the meeting, the Federal Finance Minister briefed the cabinet on key components and the overall structure of Budget 2026–27.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked all coalition partners for their support and also expressed gratitude to the IMF for its continued assistance. He particularly acknowledged the role of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, the Balochistan Awami Party, and the Pakistan Muslim League (Q) for their backing.
In a post on X earlier, the prime minister said the budget had been prepared with dedication and sincerity, keeping the welfare of the people of Pakistan at the forefront of all priorities.
During the cabinet meeting, ministers and state ministers reportedly expressed approval of the prime minister’s leadership by thumping their desks in support.
