The National Economic Council meeting was postponed as the government continued negotiations with the Pakistan Peoples Party over key budget and development issues. Officials said the delay occurred because both sides have not yet finalized consensus on critical financial matters ahead of the upcoming fiscal budget.
Originally, the NEC meeting was scheduled to approve the national development budget for the next fiscal year under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. However, the session is now expected to take place on Tuesday after another round of discussions between coalition partners.
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Meanwhile, provincial chief ministers who are members of the council were also set to attend the meeting, which holds importance for approving development priorities and financial allocations. The postponement reflects ongoing efforts to align federal and provincial positions on budget planning.
Furthermore, sources indicated that the government is actively working to address PPP reservations regarding development funds and broader fiscal proposals. Key issues under discussion include Public Sector Development Programme allocations and Sindh-related financial concerns, which remain central to negotiations.
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In addition, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has been engaged in consultations aimed at breaking the deadlock and securing broader coalition agreement before finalizing the budget framework. Officials confirmed that revised schedules have already been prepared in case further delays occur.
As talks continue, the government remains focused on building political consensus before presenting the final development budget for approval. The outcome of the ongoing negotiations with the PPP is expected to determine both the timing of the NEC meeting and the direction of upcoming fiscal policy decisions.