Another meeting expected as PML-N, PPP continue budget discussions ahead of June 10 presentation

ISLAMABAD: With the federal budget for the financial year 2026-27 expected to be tabled on June 10, two major ruling partners, the PML-N and the PPP, continued their consultations on the proposed fiscal measures, with another round of the pre-budget meeting scheduled for later this week. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Wednesday that the budget would be tabled on June 10. Sources said the next meeting between the PPP and PML-N would be attended by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, who will be back from his election campaign in Gilgit-Baltistan before the June 7 polls. PPP sources said these were routine pre-budget meetings to discuss taxation and other measures and multiple rounds could take place before the budget session expected on June 10. A PPP leader said they were trying to reach an agreement with the government on the fiscal measures in light of the new IMF demands, adding that they were unhappy with the budget in its current form. Another source said the consultations were also delayed because the IMF approval came “too late”. The PPP leaders told Dawn they opposed new taxes and hoped the government would change its approach to taxation to provide relief to the inflation-hit masses. Sources said the PPP delegation emphasised that the government should prefer a broader tax base instead of exerting pressure on the same class which was already paying taxes. On this, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the government would try its best to improve enforcement in broadening the tax net. A statement issued by his office said that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, along with the finance minister, held a meeting with PPP leaders as part of routine pre-budget consultations. The discussions focused on current expenditure and development spending priorities, including the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), as well as broader economic priorities such as fiscal sustainability, public welfare measures, development initiatives, and inclusive gr