PM Shehbaz meets MQM delegation, discusses budget, political situation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday met a delegation of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) in Islamabad, where discussions were held on the upcoming federal budget and the country’s overall political and economic situation, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.

The delegation was led by MQM Convener and Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui. It also included Federal Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal and Member of the National Assembly R. Javed Hanif, Farooq Sattar and Aminul Haque.

Senior cabinet members, including Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Prime Minister’s Advisor Rana Sanaullah, were also present.

The meeting focused on the Federal Budget 2026–27, which is expected to be presented soon.

The PMO, in its statement, described MQM as an important coalition partner and said that its role in promoting economic stability and public welfare was acknowledged during the meeting.

PM Shehbaz said the government’s cooperation with MQM would continue in the same spirit for the national interest and public service.

Read: Govt to unveil Rs17.5tr budget

The government is set to unveil a massive Rs17.5 trillion (approximately $61 billion) consolidated budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 on Friday (today) to meet strict International Monetary Fund austerity conditions. The framework sets an ambitious Federal Board of Revenue tax target of Rs15.267 trillion and targets a 4.1% GDP growth.

The high-stakes spending plan balances fiscal tightening and IMF structural directives while introducing relief measures for the poorest citizens and modest salary bumps for government workers.

The budget comes as much of the population continues to feel the effects of the Iran-US war, with no indication that the conflict is easing.

The government will propose measures to raise revenue and cut spending while shielding the nation’s poorest.

Under pressure to meet austerity conditions from the International Monetary Fund, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb will submit a delayed Rs17.5 trillion ($61-billion) spending plan for the fiscal year starting next month in the National Assembly.