The National Economic Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for today has been postponed as the government continues negotiations with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) over budget-related matters, according to sources.
The meeting, which was expected to approve the national development budget for the next fiscal year, is now likely to be held on Tuesday after another round of talks between the ruling coalition and the PPP.
Sources said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was scheduled to chair the National Economic Council meeting. The four provincial chief ministers, who are members of the council, were also expected to participate in the session.
The NEC was due to review and approve the national development budget for the upcoming financial year before the presentation of the federal budget.
Agreement with PPP cited as reason
According to sources, the meeting was postponed because negotiations between the government and the PPP have not yet been completed.
The government is continuing efforts to reach a consensus with its key ally before moving ahead with major budget and development-related decisions.
Sources said another round of negotiations between the government and the PPP is expected to take place today.
Budget proposals, development funds
The ongoing talks are focusing on several important issues linked to the federal budget and development program. Sources said budget proposals, development funds and Sindh's provincial affairs are among the key items on the negotiation agenda.
The discussions are aimed at resolving outstanding concerns and ensuring broader political agreement on the upcoming budget framework.
Govt seeks coalition consensus
Consultations on the federal budget and Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) are continuing within the ruling coalition, sources said.
The government is making efforts to end the deadlock with the PPP and secure full support from its allies before the budget is finalized and approved.
According to sources, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has been actively engaged in efforts to address the PPP's reservations regarding the federal budget.
Sources said the schedule for the NEC meeting under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Sharif has already been prepared for Tuesday. An alternative schedule has also been kept ready in case further adjustments become necessary.
Officials said there remains a possibility of additional changes to the NEC meeting schedule if negotiations with the PPP are not completed in time.
Focus remains on budget approval process
The postponement highlights the government's determination to build consensus on the federal budget and development programme before seeking formal approval.
With negotiations continuing, all eyes are now on the next round of talks between the government and the PPP, which could determine the timing of the NEC meeting and the final shape of the upcoming budget proposals.
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