Islamabad: The federal cabinet approved Pakistan’s Budget 2026-27 on Friday, ahead of its presentation in parliament, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the country needed strong security to pursue economic progress.
Addressing the cabinet meeting, Shehbaz said the government was presenting its third budget after facing “a lot of challenges” during preparation.
He said no nation could manage its affairs or make progress without strong and “invincible” security.
The prime minister said the budget would propose measures to provide tax relief and promote economic growth. He also called for faster work on water reservoirs, dams and local energy resources, including solar panels, wind power and batteries.
Shehbaz said the government held lengthy discussions with the International Monetary Fund during the budget-making process.
He said IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva appreciated Pakistan’s economic progress during a 30- to 45-minute phone call.
Read: Pakistan Budget 2026-27 Outlay Set At Rs17.5trn
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb was scheduled to present the federal budget for FY2026-27 in the National Assembly on June 12.
The federal cabinet approved the next fiscal year’s budget on Friday.
The prime minister said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz held detailed talks with its coalition partner, the Pakistan Peoples Party, and thanked other allies for their support.
He said the Centre also held discussions with all four provinces over additional federal funding needs.
Shehbaz thanked President Asif Ali Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi for their cooperation.
