MQM important coalition partner, role in promoting economic stability, public welfare recognized, says PMO
Prime Minister Shehbaz met the delegation of MQM. PHOTO: X
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday met a delegation of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) in Islamabad, where discussions were held on the upcoming federal budget and the country’s overall political and economic situation, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
The delegation was led by MQM Convener and Federal Minister for Education and Vocational Training Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui. It also included the Federal Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal and Member of the National Assembly R. Javed Hanif, Farooq Sattar and Aminul Haque.
Senior cabinet members including Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Finance Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Prime Minister’s Advisor Rana Sanaullah were also present.
The meeting focused on the 2026-2027 federal budget, which is expected to be presented soon.
The PMO in its statement described the MQM as an important coalition partner and said its role in promoting economic stability and public welfare was recognized during the meeting.
اباد اسلام اباد: January 12, 2026
meeting of the prime minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif with the delegation of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement.
The delegation was led by the convener of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement and the Minister for Federal Education Dr. Khaled Maqbool Siddiqui. وافد من وزیر باحری قومی سهت سید سید مستافٰ کمال و ارکین قومی اسملیہ… pic.twitter.com/cktThKvveX
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) June 12, 2026
Prime Minister Shehbaz said the government’s collaboration with MQM would continue in the same spirit for the national interest and public service.
Read: The government reveals a budget of 17.5 tr
The government is set to unveil a massive consolidated budget of Rs 17.5 trillion (about $61 billion) for the 2026-2027 financial year on Friday (today) to meet strict austerity conditions set by the International Monetary Fund. The framework sets an ambitious tax target for the Federal Board of Revenue at Rs 15.267 trillion and targets GDP growth of 4.1%.
The high spending plan balances fiscal austerity and the IMF’s structural directives, while introducing relief measures for the poorest citizens and modest wage increases for government employees.
The budget comes as a large part of the population continues to feel the effects of the war between Iran and the United States, with no signs that the conflict is easing.
The government will propose measures to raise revenue and cut spending, while protecting the country’s poorest.
Under pressure to meet austerity conditions from the International Monetary Fund, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb will unveil a delayed Rs17.5 trillion spending plan.
