The National Economic Council (NEC) will meet today under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s chairmanship. The council is expected to review and approve development spending plans for the next fiscal year.
According to sources, the proposed national development budget stands at approximately Rs 4.464 trillion. The meeting will focus on development priorities and fiscal planning across Pakistan.
Officials expect all four provincial chief ministers and finance ministers to attend. Additionally, the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir is likely to participate.
Federal and Provincial Allocations Under Review
Sources said the federal government may propose a development budget of Rs 1.320 trillion. Meanwhile, provincial allocations are expected to reach around Rs 3.138 trillion.
Punjab is likely to receive the largest development allocation of Rs 1.450 trillion. Sindh may secure approximately Rs 816 billion for development projects.
Similarly, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could receive Rs 564 billion under the proposed plan. Balochistan is expected to obtain around Rs 308 billion.
The council will review these allocations before granting final approval. Consequently, the meeting carries significant importance for upcoming public sector projects.
Previous Delays Linked to Political Differences
The NEC meeting was originally scheduled for June 8 but was postponed. Earlier, authorities had also delayed a planned meeting on June 3. Sources attributed the latest postponement to differences between the government and the Pakistan Peoples Party. The two sides reportedly disagreed on several key issues.
Furthermore, the meeting did not appear on the Prime Minister’s official schedule. As a result, speculation grew regarding the timing of the session. The NEC remains Pakistan’s highest constitutional body for economic planning and coordination. It plays a crucial role in shaping development priorities between federal and provincial governments.
Today’s meeting is expected to provide clarity on spending plans ahead of the federal budget announcement. Stakeholders will closely watch the outcome for signals on future development initiatives.
