A long-awaited meeting of the National Finance Commission will take place today in Islamabad as pressure grows from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government regarding its share in the NFC Award. The federal government issued the agenda for the 11th NFC meeting on Wednesday. Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb is expected to chair the high-level session.
Provinces to Present Fiscal Positions
According to the Ministry of Finance, the finance ministers of all four provinces will attend the meeting alongside private members. The federal finance secretary will brief participants on the country’s overall fiscal position. The ministry stated that the session will finalise the schedule and timelines for upcoming meetings that will determine the new NFC Award.
Structured Agenda for Detailed Discussions
As outlined in the agenda, the federal finance ministry will deliver a detailed presentation on the national fiscal situation. Each province will receive ten minutes to outline its financial status. Minister Aurangzeb said the meeting would prioritise “Pakistan first,” noting that the Centre will listen to provincial concerns while also presenting its fiscal constraints.
Complex Negotiations Expected
All federal and provincial stakeholders will address the sensitive issue of devising a new NFC Award. Sources said the commission’s inaugural sitting will review working-level recommendations and form technical sub-groups. It will also approve a roadmap for negotiations in the coming months. Officials described the process as “time-bound and outcome-oriented,” according to a Business Recorder report.
Challenges Ahead for Centre and Provinces
Officials acknowledged that limited fiscal space at the Centre and a growing debt servicing burden may complicate the talks. They also noted that provinces continue to demand greater autonomy and increased resource allocation. These competing priorities are likely to shape the direction of the negotiations as both sides seek a sustainable formula.
