In meeting with PM, president stresses ‘provincial rights, economic stability’ in upcoming budget

President Asif Ali Zardari held high-level discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to outline key priorities for the upcoming 2026–2027 federal budget. During the meeting, the President emphasized the necessity of balancing economic stability with public welfare and the protection of provincial rights. The consultation is part of a series of pre-budget dialogues involving key political allies ahead of the official budget unveiling scheduled for June 10. Beyond fiscal policy, the leaders reviewed national security concerns, regional diplomatic developments, and recent political events in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting also addressed concerns raised by the PPP regarding taxation, with the government aiming to reconcile these proposals with international fiscal requirements. Officials expressed a desire to align economic growth strategies with social relief programs to support citizens facing inflationary pressures.

This meeting highlights the complex political negotiations and fiscal balancing acts required to finalize a national budget that satisfies both international lenders and domestic political allies.