11th NFC Holds First Meeting as Finance Minister Calls for Unity and Open Dialogue

The first meeting of the Eleventh National Finance Commission was held today in Islamabad, where Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb urged the federation and provinces to approach the new revenue sharing negotiations with unity, openness and mutual respect. Chairing the inaugural session, he welcomed the chief ministers, provincial finance ministers and other members, saying the gathering marked an important constitutional responsibility as well as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between governments. Aurangzeb highlighted that the Tenth NFC Award had expired on July 21, 2025, which increased the urgency of convening today’s session. He said the federal government had been committed to beginning the Eleventh NFC process without delay and that the prime minister had personally followed the matter to ensure timely progress. The minister noted that the meeting had previously been postponed due to severe floods in Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He added that the provinces have shown full willingness to fulfil their constitutional duties and participate constructively in the new award. He emphasised that speculation and concerns around the NFC can only be addressed through sincere and transparent dialogue. The federal government, he said, was present today primarily to listen to the provinces and expected all stakeholders to engage with open minds. Aurangzeb praised the provinces for signing the National Fiscal Pact and for cooperating on achieving mandatory surpluses and implementing the IMF programme. He said this reflected a shared commitment to national interest. Despite a year marked by extraordinary challenges, including major floods and heightened security concerns, the minister said the federation had stood united. This same unity he stressed must guide the Eleventh NFC negotiations. Describing the NFC as central to fair resource distribution, financial stability and long term economic growth, Aurangzeb said the forum allows the government’s best minds to collaborate and learn from each other. He stated that discussions will continue meaningfully in the coming weeks and months and called on all members to engage constructively and respectfully. The finance minister concluded that successfully completing the Eleventh NFC Award is a shared destination for the federation and the provinces.