PPP says Bilawal to skip Pakistan budget session, denies boycott

Pakistan Peoples Party said Friday it has not decided to boycott the federal budget session, dismissing media reports suggesting otherwise. Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari will not attend the proceedings, but some PPP lawmakers will be present.

The party said it remains part of the budget process in the national interest.

Is PPP boycotting the federal budget session?

PPP is not boycotting the budget session. The party's media cell confirmed on X that no boycott decision has been taken, and that several lawmakers would attend the National Assembly proceedings.

Bilawal will be absent, but the party said it would remain engaged with the budget process in the national interest.

Why is Bilawal skipping the budget session?

PPP lawmaker Shazia Marri, speaking to reporters after a party meeting, said coalition partner PML-N was not cooperating with PPP on matters related to Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

She said the PPP could not support the PML-N on every issue. Bilawal is expected to brief the media separately on those concerns.

What is Pakistan's federal budget for FY2026-27?

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb is scheduled to present the budget later Friday following consultations with the International Monetary Fund and coalition partners. The government plans a total outlay of approximately PKR 18.2 trillion for FY2026-27.

The Federal Board of Revenue has been set a tax collection target of roughly PKR 15.264 trillion.

Key economic assumptions include GDP growth of around 4.1% and inflation between 8% and 8.5%. Debt servicing remains the largest expenditure component at PKR 7.824 trillion, while defense spending is expected to rise to PKR 3 trillion. The government also plans to collect PKR 1.727 trillion through the petroleum levy.

What development spending is planned in the budget?

The Public Sector Development Programme is expected to receive about PKR 1 trillion. The government does not plan to launch major new projects and will focus instead on completing ongoing schemes.

Export and import targets for FY2026-27 have been set at USD 32.8 billion and USD 70 billion, respectively.

Will salaried workers get tax relief in the budget?

The government is considering relief measures for salaried individuals alongside additional taxation and enforcement steps to broaden the tax base. Among the measures under review is the withdrawal of some tax exemptions available to the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas.

The budget comes as Pakistan works to meet commitments under its IMF-supported reform program while managing debt servicing, defense and development spending.