BUDGET 2026-27: Budget timing in doubt after NEC meeting put off again

The federal budget 2026-27 in Pakistan faces delays due to unresolved disputes between the Centre and provinces over fiscal allocations. The National Economic Council (NEC) meeting was postponed again, with provinces resisting a freeze on their National Finance Commission (NFC) shares, which could push them into deficit. The federal government seeks over Rs1 trillion for strategic needs, but provinces argue this would strain their budgets.