Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari are set to hold a crucial meeting today as the government seeks to address concerns raised by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) ahead of the presentation of the Federal Budget 2026-27.
According to sources, the high-level consultation will take place at Aiwan-e-Sadr and is expected to focus on key budget proposals, economic priorities, and matters related to coordination between coalition partners.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will be accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, while senior officials from the Ministry of Finance are also expected to attend the meeting.
The PPP delegation is likely to include Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, senior party leader Naveed Qamar, and Senator Sherry Rehman.
The meeting comes at a critical stage as the government finalizes the Federal Budget 2026-27 amid reported differences with the PPP over several fiscal measures and development priorities. Both sides are expected to discuss outstanding issues and work toward building consensus before the budget is unveiled.
Sources said the PPP is expected to raise proposals related to government employees’ salaries, pensions, minimum wage, taxation policies, and other economic matters that have emerged during pre-budget consultations.
The government is keen to secure the support of its key coalition partner before finalizing major budget decisions. As a result, today’s meeting is being viewed as one of the most significant political engagements ahead of the budget announcement.
The outcome of the discussions could influence the final shape of the budget and help determine the level of agreement within the ruling coalition as Pakistan prepares to present its economic strategy and fiscal roadmap for the next financial year.
