The federal budget for fiscal year 2026-27 is set to be presented in both houses of parliament today, with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb expected to unveil the government’s financial plan in the National Assembly.
Although the budget speech was scheduled for 3pm, the National Assembly session had yet to begin at the time of reporting.
Earlier, the federal cabinet approved the budget proposals during a meeting held at Parliament House, clearing the way for the formal presentation of the budget.
PM Shehbaz Says Public Welfare Is Top Priority
Ahead of the budget session, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the government’s financial plan had been prepared with “a lot of hard work and sincerity.”
In a message posted on X, the premier said the welfare and prosperity of the people had been given the highest priority while formulating the budget.
The prime minister also held a meeting with a delegation of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), one of the government’s coalition partners, where both sides discussed matters related to the upcoming budget.
PM Praises MQM-P’s Role
During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif described the MQM-P as an important ally of the government.
He appreciated the party’s positive and constructive role in promoting economic stability, national development and the implementation of the government’s public welfare agenda.
The meeting came as the ruling coalition continued consultations with allied parties ahead of the budget presentation.
Bilawal to Skip Budget Session
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), a key ally of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led government, announced that its chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari would not attend the budget session.
However, the party clarified that it was not boycotting the proceedings.
In a statement posted on X, the PPP said some of its lawmakers would attend the session and that the party would continue to participate in the budget process in the national interest.
The clarification came after weeks of consultations between the PPP and the federal government over issues related to the budget.
PPP Lawmakers Protest Over Water Shortage
Before the budget presentation, PPP lawmakers staged a protest inside the National Assembly over Sindh’s water share.
Party members, including Shazia Marri, raised slogans and demanded that the province receive its due share of water.
At one point, PPP members surrounded the Speaker’s dais before later returning to their seats.
Holding a placard, Shazia Marri highlighted that Sindh was facing a 48 percent water shortage.
The protesting lawmakers also chanted slogans calling for adequate water supplies for the province.
“Give us water to drink and live,” they shouted during the protest.
Budget Comes After Weeks of Coalition Consultations
The budget presentation comes after several rounds of talks between the PML-N and the PPP aimed at addressing differences over fiscal matters and development priorities.
Both parties eventually reached an understanding on key budget issues, allowing the coalition partners to move forward with the budget process.
The Federal Budget 2026-27 is expected to outline the government’s economic priorities and measures aimed at maintaining stability while supporting growth and public welfare.