National Economic Council to review development budget plans today

The National Economic Council (NEC) is scheduled to meet today under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to review key economic priorities and consider development plans for the upcoming fiscal year 2026-27.

According to the agenda, the national development budget for the next financial year will be presented to the council for approval. Federal and provincial development budgets will also be submitted for consideration as policymakers seek to finalise spending priorities for the coming year.

The meeting will review the performance of the development budget for the current fiscal year 2025-26 and assess progress made under ongoing projects. Presentations on the annual development plans of the provinces will form an important part of the discussions.

Council members are also expected to approve major economic targets for the next financial year. In addition, presentations on key social and economic indicators across the provinces will be delivered to provide an overview of development trends and policy challenges.

As part of the agenda, the council will examine public sector investment plans for the fiscal year 2026-27 and review public sector investment performance during the current financial year.

A progress report on the activities of the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) covering the period from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 will also be presented. The meeting will further receive a report on development schemes approved by the CDWP and the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) during the same period.

Members of the council will review a monitoring and evaluation report on major development projects aimed at assessing implementation progress and overall performance.

Federal Minister for Planning is expected to deliver an opening presentation outlining the key economic and development priorities before detailed discussions begin.

The council includes the chief ministers of all four provinces, who are expected to participate in the meeting and contribute to deliberations on national and provincial development strategies.

Reporter: Owais Kiani