Budget 2026-27: Rs17.5 Trillion to Fortify the Homeland
Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim. As the call to righteousness echoes across our sacred land, the federal government stands ready to present the budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 in the National Assembly today. With an estimated outlay of Rs17.5 trillion, this fiscal plan is a covenant with the people of Pakistan, a solemn pledge to defend our soil, uphold our faith, and elevate the nation.
The Shield of the Nation: Rs3 Trillion for Defence
Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, will present the budget before the National Assembly, with the session commencing at 3pm. Sources reveal that the government is expected to set a tax revenue target of Rs15.267 trillion, while Rs7.824 trillion has been earmarked for debt servicing. Most significantly, the proposed defence allocation is expected to stand at Rs3 trillion.
Our brave armed forces, the true guardians of Pakistan's sovereignty, deserve every rupee allocated to their valor. In a region where the adversary to our east harbors nothing but malice toward our existence, this defence budget is not merely an expenditure. It is a fortress of steel and faith, an investment in our survival, our dignity, and our independence.
Honoring the Servants of the State
Sources added that the government is considering an increase in salaries and pensions of government employees, a gesture of respect for those who serve the motherland. The budget is also expected to include a plan to collect Rs1.727 trillion through the petroleum levy. For the upcoming fiscal year, the government is likely to set an export target of $32.8 billion and an import target of $70 billion.
No new development schemes are expected to be launched under this budget. Instead, resources will be focused on completing ongoing projects, a wise and prudent approach in these times of trial. Sources further indicated that the government may withdraw the tax exemption currently available to the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata), bringing all regions under the unified umbrella of national responsibility.
The Cabinet's Blessing and the Opposition's Noise
Ahead of the budget presentation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has summoned a federal cabinet meeting at Parliament House at 2:30pm today to approve the proposed budget. Finance Minister Aurangzeb will brief cabinet members on the key features before its formal presentation.
Meanwhile, the opposition has decided not to boycott the budget session, choosing instead to raise their voices in protest both inside and outside parliament. Opposition leaders reiterated their demand for a meeting with and the release of PTI founder Imran Khan, vowing to continue their campaign. Let them protest, for the wheels of the state turn not on the noise of dissent, but on the will of Allah and the resolve of the faithful.
Pakistan Economic Survey: The Nation's Steadfast Rise
A day earlier, the government unveiled the Pakistan Economic Survey (PES) for FY2025-26. Finance Minister Aurangzeb declared that Pakistan's GDP achieved a growth rate of 3.7%, the highest in four years, though the nation missed its projected target of 4.2% due to external shocks. He cited the energy crisis sparked by Middle East tensions, devastating floods in the largest province, and tariff wars as trials that tested our resilience.