In meeting with PM, president stresses ‘provincial rights, economic stability’ in upcoming budget

President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized the need to prioritize public welfare, provincial rights, and economic stability in Pakistan's upcoming 2026-2027 federal budget during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The discussion, held at the President's House, was part of broader pre-budget consultations between allied political parties.

The meeting occurred just days before the government's scheduled presentation of the federal budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 on June 10. The Presidency released a statement indicating that Zardari directed efforts to align economic growth with public welfare schemes within the budget.

Beyond fiscal matters, the talks also encompassed national security, the internal and regional geopolitical landscape, and other significant national issues. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi provided the President with an update on his recent visit to Iran and related diplomatic engagements.

Several key figures attended the meeting, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah. Also present were PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Raja Faisal Rathore, and MNA Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, among other party leaders and senators.

Earlier, a Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) delegation had conveyed reservations about taxes to Finance Minister Dar. Dar assured the PPP that their proposals would be considered for inclusion in the budget. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has requested Pakistan to introduce substantial additional budgetary measures, with provinces expected to contribute a similar amount through revenue generation.

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While discussing budget proposals and public relief, the president stressed prioritising public welfare, provincial rights and economic stability in the federal budget.