NEC Makes Major Decision: Appoints PKR 3,669 Billion Development Budget for Upcoming Fiscal Year

(Digital Itla) Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif presided over a crucial meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) in Islamabad, where federal and provincial leadership gathered to thoroughly deliberate on the national economy, development projects, and targets for the upcoming fiscal year. Thanking the provincial leadership for their complete cooperation during challenging economic times, the Prime Minister stated that solidarity, harmony, and joint efforts among federal units are the ultimate guarantees for Pakistan’s progress. He also lauded the performance of the government's economic team. The participants of the meeting paid tribute to the PM for maintaining economic stability and leading diplomatic efforts for regional peace despite the recent geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region.

Highlighting the growing population as one of the country's biggest challenges, the Prime Minister declared health, education, child development, youth employment, and vocational training as top national priorities. He emphasized that an export-led economy is the government's primary goal and that development projects will be aligned with national requirements and sustainable economic targets.

The NEC unanimously approved a national development budget of PKR 3,669 billion for the fiscal year 2026-27. Out of this, PKR 1,000 billion has been allocated for the federal PSDP, PKR 2,218 billion for provincial development programs, and PKR 451/451 billion for state-owned enterprise projects. The council also approved an economic growth target of 3.7% for the fiscal year 2025-26 and 4% for the upcoming fiscal year. Furthermore, the council gave the green light to 11 national economic growth missions under the "Uraan Pakistan" program, directing the Ministry of Planning to formulate a practical roadmap in coordination with the provinces and relevant ministries.