Govt to Present Federal Budget 2025-26 Before Eid-ul-Azha

The federal government has decided to present the budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, with plans to table it in Parliament between June 3 and June 5. Source told ProPakistani that there is a proposal to convene the budget session of the National Assembly earlier than usual. The budget will include relief measures for government employees and pensioners, and will be subject to approval by the federal cabinet. The budget approval process is expected to commence immediately after the Eid holidays, with final passage required before June 30, in accordance with constitutional obligations. The new budget’s targets, particularly those related to tax revenues and development expenditures, will be finalized in consultation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). An IMF mission is expected to arrive in Pakistan in the middle of May to hold negotiations. During this visit, both sides will deliberate on annual tax targets, development spending, and key economic reforms. The government is aiming to broaden the tax base by bringing retail, wholesale, and real estate sectors under the tax net. The implementation of agriculture income tax is planned to commence from July 1. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb is scheduled to attend the Spring Meetings of the IMF and World Bank being held in Washington D.C. from April 21 to 26. The meetings are expected to play a crucial role in shaping Pakistan’s fiscal strategy and economic roadmap for the upcoming year.