Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday chaired a meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) as Pakistan prepares its development priorities for the upcoming fiscal year 2026–27 budget, according to Beyond Time News.
The high-level session brought together chief ministers, federal ministers, and senior officials to review proposed economic targets and discuss the distribution of development funds between the federation and provinces.
Focus on Development Planning for Next Fiscal Year
The NEC meeting focused on shaping the country’s development agenda for the next financial year. Officials presented detailed briefings on proposed economic indicators, project priorities, and overall fiscal planning.
Participants also reviewed how development resources would be allocated across federal and provincial levels. The discussions aimed to balance national infrastructure needs with regional development demands.
In addition, Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah and other key officials attended the session, contributing to discussions on governance and planning frameworks.
Proposed Rs4.7 Trillion Development Programme
Sources indicated that the total size of the proposed development programme for FY 2026–27 stands at around Rs4,715 billion. The plan outlines a significant allocation structure between different tiers of government.
Under the proposal, Rs1,126 billion may be allocated to the federal government. Meanwhile, provinces are expected to receive approximately Rs3,138 billion for development projects.
As a result, provincial governments will manage the larger share of development spending under the proposed framework.
Possible Expansion of PSDP Allocation
Officials also discussed the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) during the meeting. According to sources, the PSDP may be increased by around Rs200 billion in the upcoming budget.
This potential increase reflects the government’s focus on accelerating infrastructure development and ongoing projects across key sectors.
Moreover, policymakers are reviewing project priorities to ensure that funds are used efficiently and align with national economic goals.
Chief Ministers and Federal Leaders Attend Meeting
Chief ministers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Balochistan attended the NEC meeting along with senior representatives from Punjab. Punjab was represented by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.
In addition, federal ministers and senior bureaucrats participated in the discussions. Their presence highlighted the importance of inter-provincial coordination in economic planning.
Officials confirmed that all provinces presented their development priorities during the session.
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Coordination Between Federation and Provinces
A key agenda item of the meeting was the distribution of development funds. The NEC reviewed proposals to ensure a balanced allocation between the federal government and provinces.
Authorities stressed the importance of coordination to avoid duplication of projects and improve implementation efficiency.
Furthermore, the council emphasized timely execution of development schemes to support economic growth and job creation.
Economic Planning Ahead of Budget 2026–27
The NEC meeting comes as Pakistan prepares for the formulation of the federal budget 2026–27. The development programme is expected to play a central role in shaping economic priorities for the coming year.
Officials are also evaluating fiscal space, revenue projections, and expenditure requirements before finalizing the budget framework.
According to Beyond Time News, the government aims to align development spending with long-term economic stability goals.
Conclusion
The National Economic Council meeting marks an important step in Pakistan’s budget preparation process for 2026–27. With a proposed development programme worth over Rs4.7 trillion, the government is focusing on infrastructure growth and provincial coordination.
As discussions continue, final allocations and project priorities will be refined ahead of the formal budget announcement. The outcome of these deliberations is expected to shape Pakistan’s development trajectory for the next fiscal year.
FAQs
What was the main purpose of the NEC meeting?
The meeting focused on planning development priorities for the federal budget 2026–27.
Who chaired the NEC session?
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the meeting.
What is the proposed size of the development programme?
The proposed development programme is around Rs4,715 billion.
How will funds be distributed?
Rs1,126 billion is proposed for the federal government and Rs3,138 billion for provinces.
What is PSDP in this context?
PSDP refers to the Public Sector Development Programme, which funds major development projects in Pakistan.
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