National Economic Council Approves FY2026-27 Budget and Development Outlay of Rs3.669 Trillion
Islamabad: The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved a four-point agenda and allocated Rs3.669 trillion for the national development budget for the fiscal year 2026-27.
According to official sources, the NEC meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Addressing the participants, the prime minister emphasized that Pakistan’s progress depends on the spirit of unity and cooperation among the federation and provincial governments. He also praised his economic team for its efforts in maintaining economic stability.
Participants commended the government’s diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing regional tensions and appreciated the measures taken to keep Pakistan’s economy stable despite the adverse impact of recent tensions in the Gulf region on the global economy.
The meeting highlighted Pakistan’s rapidly growing population as one of the country’s major challenges. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that improving the healthcare system, reducing the burden of diseases, eliminating child stunting, ensuring education for out-of-school children, and creating employment opportunities for youth remain key national priorities.
He said the government is implementing a strategy to equip young people with technical and vocational skills, adding that an export-led economy is essential for sustainable growth. The prime minister also stressed the need for better coordination between federal and provincial development projects.
He urged that development initiatives be aligned with national priorities and long-term economic objectives, expressing confidence that collective efforts would help Pakistan achieve prosperity, development, and economic self-reliance.
The NEC unanimously approved its four-point agenda. Participants were also briefed on revised economic indicators and the performance of the economy during the current fiscal year.
The council was informed that during fiscal year 2025-26, expenditures include Rs820 billion under the federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), Rs2.938 trillion for provincial annual development plans, and Rs355 billion for State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) programs.
