Budget 2025-26 to Be Presented on June 10 Despite Eid Holidays, Confirms Finance Secretary
May 29, 2025 | By Pulse Pakistan News Desk
Islamabad
Amid widespread speculation about a potential delay due to Eidul Adha holidays, Federal Finance Secretary Imdadullah Bosal has confirmed that the federal budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 will be presented on June 10 as scheduled.
Speaking informally with reporters on Thursday, Bosal clarified that while dates for the National Economic Council (NEC) and the Annual Plan Coordination Committee (APCC) meetings are still under discussion, the budget presentation date is firm and unchanged.
The confirmation comes as Pakistan resumes virtual talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to align budgetary policies with its economic reform commitments. According to Bosal, the talks will focus on relief measures for the salaried class and policies aimed at stimulating industrial growth.
Finance adviser Khurram Schehzad echoed the timeline via a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “As communicated earlier, the upcoming Federal Budget FY26 is on schedule to be announced on June 10, 2025. Similarly, the upcoming Pakistan Economic Survey FY25 is scheduled for June 9, 2025.”
Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing within the federal government to declare June 9 a working day, as Eidul Adha is expected to fall on June 7 and 8. This adjustment would ensure that the Economic Survey and the NEC meeting—both planned for June 9—can proceed without disruption.
However, sources within the Finance Ministry have expressed concerns about the feasibility of holding both events on the same day. The NEC meeting traditionally spans an entire day and involves the participation of provincial chief ministers, the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and representatives from Gilgit-Baltistan. Historically, a two-day interval is observed between the NEC meeting and the federal budget presentation to finalize the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).
Despite the logistical challenges, Bosal reiterated that there will be no delay in presenting the budget. The government is finalizing the budget in close consultation with the IMF, with fiscal targets and key reforms under review.
In related developments, $800 million in funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is expected to be approved on June 3, further strengthening Pakistan’s fiscal outlook ahead of the budget.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb recently indicated that the upcoming budget will include tax relief for the salaried class. Speaking at an event earlier this week, Aurangzeb emphasized the need for a strategic and inclusive budget that goes beyond routine income and expenditure statements.
He noted that salaried individuals bear a disproportionate tax burden, with income deductions occurring at the source, and assured that the government is actively working to address this imbalance.
Conclusion
With the budget date now confirmed, attention turns to how the government will navigate its commitments to the IMF, deliver economic relief, and maintain fiscal discipline. The coming days will be crucial in shaping the direction of Pakistan’s economic policy for FY2025-26.
For real-time updates on the federal budget and economic developments, stay connected with Pulse Pakistan.
