Federal Budget Should Balance Growth and Public Welfare: President Zardari

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has stressed on prioritizing public welfare, provincial rights and economic stability in the federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2026-27, saying that the government must strike an effective balance between development goals and public relief.

During an important meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Presidential Palace, the President discussed in detail the budget proposals, national economy, security situation and other important national issues. This meeting took place at a time when the federal government is going to present the budget for the upcoming fiscal year on June 10 and consultations are underway among the coalition parties.

According to the presidential statement, President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized that the difficulties of common citizens, the effects of inflation and the constitutional rights of the provinces should be taken into account in the preparation of the budget. He directed that the rate of economic growth should be coordinated with public welfare programs so that the fruits of development can reach the grassroots level.

The meeting also discussed national security, internal peace and order and the changing situation in the region. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi briefed the President about his recent visit to Iran and regional diplomatic relations, while ongoing diplomatic activities in the region were also discussed.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar and Advisor to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah were also present in the meeting. Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Faisal Rathore, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Sherry Rehman, Naveed Qamar and Saleem Mandviwala, among other important figures, were also present in the meeting.

According to sources, tax policy and public relief measures are the focus of special attention in the pre-budget consultations between the coalition parties. The government is facing the challenge of maintaining fiscal discipline on the one hand and meeting public expectations on the other.

According to political observers, the President’s emphasis on public welfare and provincial rights is being considered important for promoting trust between federal units and economic stability. Final decisions on the upcoming budget will be made in the coming days, but pressure is mounting on the government to provide public relief.