ISLAMABAD – The government is all set to approve a massive Rs3.79 trillion national development budget today. The National Economic Council (NEC) meeting will be led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where crucial economic targets for the next year will also be discussed. According to sources, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb will present the outline of the budget and macroeconomic goals for fiscal year 2024-25.
The five-year development plan will also be presented for NEC’s final approval. The federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) has been set at Rs1 trillion. Meanwhile, Punjab is expected to get the largest share of Rs1.18 trillion, followed by Sindh with Rs887 billion, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Rs440 billion, and Balochistan with Rs280 billion.
In addition to government spending, the NEC is likely to approve several projects under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. These partnerships aim to ease the burden on public finances while encouraging private investment. The move could help complete major infrastructure and energy projects faster.
The government has also set clear economic growth targets for FY25. It expects GDP to grow by 4.2%, with agriculture growing at 4.5%, industry at 4.3%, and services at 4%. These goals show an optimistic approach despite ongoing financial challenges.
Moreover, the plan aims to boost exports to $35 billion and remittances to $39 billion, while keeping imports at $65 billion. These numbers reflect a push for economic stability through increased productivity and reduced trade deficit. If approved, this development package will set the pace for Pakistan’s economic recovery and long-term planning.