The Pakistan Peoples Party has assured the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz-led federal government of support for passing the federal budget 2026-27 after coalition talks in Islamabad.
President Asif Ali Zardari led the PPP delegation in a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and members of the party’s budget committee also attended.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. In addition, federal ministers and senior officials from the Ministry of Finance were present.
Sources said both sides reached broad agreement on most federal budget proposals. Technical committees will continue consultations on remaining workable points to finalise the fiscal framework.
The federal government had announced that the budget would be presented on June 10. This was after it was rescheduled from June 5 due to objections from coalition partners.
Read: PPP Budget Deadlock Persists Before June 10 Session
Parliamentary sources last week said that the delay followed reservations from allies over proposed amendments. Additionally, they had concerns about key legislation linked to the upcoming budget.
Another coalition partner, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan, has also tied its budget support to conditions. Party leader Farooq Sattar linked approval to the reappointment of Kamran Tessori as Sindh governor.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb told the media last week that discussions with coalition partners were positive. He said the budget process was being carried out with the International Monetary Fund, allied parties and other stakeholders.
Aurangzeb said the government was focusing on tax administration, enforcement and widening the tax base. He said efforts were underway to avoid new taxes.
The government is also considering moving the budget presentation from June 10 to June 12. They said a final decision on the revised schedule is expected within one to two days.
Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal said several budget matters remained pending. Meanwhile, talks continued amid limited time left before Muharram.
