Budget 2026–27 Announcement Put on Hold Amid IMF Talks

Pakistan’s Federal Budget 2026–27 has been delayed as key negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) continue, forcing changes in the national economic calendar. Officials confirmed that the budget, initially scheduled for presentation on 5 June, is now likely to be announced on either 8 or 12 June, depending on the progress of ongoing consultations. The delay is primarily linked to discussions over the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), where final agreement with the IMF is still pending. Sources further revealed that the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, which was to be chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has also been postponed. The session was expected to approve both federal and provincial development budgets, with participation from all four chief ministers, finance ministers, and the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. According to official inputs, an additional Rs200 billion is being incorporated into the PSDP on the Prime Minister’s directive, which will be shared with the IMF for review and adjustment through fiscal planning measures. The NEC is now expected to review a total development outlay of Rs4,715 billion, with Rs1,326 billion allocated to the federal government and Rs3,138 billion distributed among provinces, including Punjab Rs1,450 billion, Sindh Rs816 billion, KP Rs564 billion, and Balochistan Rs308 billion.