Federal Budget Date Changed Due to PM’s China Visit

ISLAMABAD: The date for presenting the federal budget for fiscal year 2024-25 has been rescheduled as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif embarks on a five-day visit to China.

State Minister for Finance Ali Pervez Malik confirmed that the budget will now be tabled in the National Assembly on June 12, following the Prime Minister’s return from China.

Reports indicate that the meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) will be held on June 10, followed by the unveiling of the economic survey on June 11.

Initially, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb was scheduled to present the budget on June 10. It is expected that the budget will incorporate conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Earlier today, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Shenzhen, China, for a five-day visit at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. This visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and explore new avenues for economic cooperation.

Prime Minister Sharif is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, Energy Minister Musadik Malik, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. The delegation also includes the foreign secretary, the chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and other senior officials.

During his visit, PM Sharif will travel to the cities of Xi’an, Shenzhen, and Beijing. In Beijing, he will hold delegation-level talks with Premier Li Qiang and meet President Xi Jinping. Additionally, meetings are scheduled with Zhao Leji, the chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, and heads of key government departments.

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