The federal cabinet on Thursday approved the draft budget for the fiscal year 2026–27 ahead of its presentation in parliament.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the cabinet meeting, during which Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb briefed members on the key features of the proposed budget, which is set to be presented in the National Assembly later today.
Earlier, the premier said that the federal budget was prepared with great hard work and sincerity, stressing that the welfare of the people remained the government’s foremost priority.
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In a message posted on social media platform X, the prime minister said the budget had been formulated with a focus on the well-being of the great nation of Pakistan.
He stated that public welfare was given top priority in the preparation of the budget, reflecting the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of the people.
It is pertinent to mention that the federal budget, with an outlay of Rs17.5 trillion, is scheduled to be presented today, with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb set to table the budget in the National Assembly.
Addressing a federal cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to allied political parties for their full support in the 2026–27 budget, as well as to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for its assistance. Federal ministers and state ministers showed their approval by thumping desks in support of the Prime Minister.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister said that the government was presenting its third budget today and fully understood the difficulties faced by the common people.
He acknowledged that, in view of national requirements and IMF conditions, the government had to impose taxes to stabilize the economy and expand development opportunities.
