Islamabad, June 12 -- Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presented the federal budget for fiscal year 2026-27 in the National Assembly, unveiling a total outlay of Rs18,771 billion with a strong focus on fiscal consolidation, tax reforms, social protection, and development spending. The budget comes at a time when Pakistan is navigating high debt servicing costs, external economic pressures, and ongoing efforts to stabilise growth while maintaining inflation control.

The financial plan outlines a mix of austerity in expenditure management and targeted relief measures for the salaried class, alongside incentives for exports, digital economy expansion, and infrastructure development. Lawmakers witnessed tense proceedings as the opposition...