The National Economic Council has convened under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after multiple postponements, as the government finalises preparations for the upcoming federal budget. The meeting brings together federal and provincial leaders to review key economic priorities and development planning for the next fiscal year.
Officials said the council will assess national economic targets and examine the annual development programme during the session. The discussion is expected to shape fiscal planning and guide resource allocation across sectors as the government moves closer to presenting the new budget.
Chief ministers from all four provinces are attending the meeting, highlighting the council’s role as the country’s highest forum for economic coordination. The NEC provides a platform for aligning federal and provincial strategies, particularly in development spending and macroeconomic planning.
Initially, the meeting was scheduled for May 22 but faced several delays and was later rescheduled for June 3 before being postponed again. It finally commenced on Wednesday, reflecting ongoing adjustments in the government’s broader budget preparation timeline.
Meanwhile, the session is taking place as consultations continue on the federal budget for 2026-27. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry previously indicated that the government is likely to present the budget in parliament on June 12, increasing the importance of current economic discussions.
Consequently, the NEC meeting is expected to play a key role in finalising economic targets and development priorities. Officials believe the outcomes will directly influence fiscal strategy, expenditure planning, and policy direction for the upcoming financial year.