Minister raises concerns over NFC formula, says federation facing financial constraints
Key takeaways
- He argued that, under the 18th Constitutional Amendment, poverty alleviation and social welfare programmes fall within the jurisdiction of provincial governments.
- "Our proposal is that the province to which a beneficiary belongs should provide the financial assistance, as poverty reduction is a provincial responsibility under the 18th Amendment," he said.
- Launched in 2008, BISP is Pakistan's flagship poverty alleviation and social safety programme, providing financial assistance to more than 10 million low-income families, particularly women.
Why this matters: local context for readers following news across Pakistan and the region.
Home latest pakistan world sports showbiz entertainment Royal business health Sci-Tech Food Fact Check big picture Videos shows Watch LIVE TV X Home Latest Pakistan World Sports Showbiz Fact Check big picture Videos Shows LIVE TV Pakistan Minister raises concerns over NFC formula, says federation facing financial constraints Ahsan Iqbal proposes provinces fund BISP beneficiaries under 18th Amendment framework By Web Desk | Published June 06, 2026
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal has expressed concern over the existing National Finance Commission (NFC) Award formula, saying the federal government is facing financial difficulties due to revenue-sharing arrangements with the provinces, making it increasingly challenging to complete strategic national projects.
Speaking on Geo News programme 'Naya Pakistan', Iqbal said the federation's fiscal space had shrunk under the current NFC formula, affecting its ability to finance key development initiatives and other strategic projects.