Budget 2025–26 likely to be delayed amid Eidul-Azha holidays

The federal government is likely to present the Budget 2025–26 on June 12, instead of the earlier tentative dates, due to scheduling difficulties arising from Eid ul-Azha holidays, according to officials familiar with the matter.

Eid ul-Azha is expected to fall on June 7 to June 9 (Saturday to Monday), prompting authorities to consider declaring June 9 a working day to accommodate key fiscal planning meetings. However, the logistics of holding the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting and launching the Economic Survey 2025 on the same day are proving challenging.

Traditionally, the NEC session precedes the budget presentation by two days. It includes participation from all four provincial chief ministers, the prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and officials from Gilgit-Baltistan. Due to the complexity of this full-day event, the budget is now expected to be presented on June 12.

Khurram Schehzad, Advisor to the Finance Minister, stated that while no final decision has been taken, the current timeline remains tentative.

Earlier this month, the budget presentation was rescheduled from June 2 to June 10 due to similar constraints.

The Annual Plan Coordination Committee (APCC) is set to convene before the NEC meeting to finalise the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and the Annual Plan for FY26. The APCC will propose GDP growth targets and sectoral goals for agriculture, industry, and services.

On the day of the budget, the federal cabinet will formally approve fiscal targets and allocations for the upcoming year.