
PM Shehbaz forms committee to review NFC award
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Tuesday the formation of a committee to review the 2010 National Finance Commission (NFC) Award.
Addressing a jirga on the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the prime minister said that the first meeting in this regard is scheduled for August.
'As mentioned by Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in his address, I believe now is the time to review the 2010 NFC Award,' the prime minister said, adding that he was constituting a committee to take up the matter.
Issues of Balochistan to be resolved amicably: PM Shehbaz
He said the first clause of the NFC Award mentions the allocation of funds for the war on terror in KP – a move he described as the 'right decision' that played a key role in combating terrorism in the province.
He added that, under this arrangement, KP has so far received Rs700 billion in federal transfers.
More to follow.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Express Tribune
5 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Shehbaz hails Trump as 'man of peace'
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addresses a ceremony organized on the eve of 249th anniversary of Independence Day of United States of America on June 4, 2025. Photo: PID Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said that the recent four-day armed conflict between Pakistan and India, proved the "Pahalgam incident was a false flag operation". "If it were otherwise," he said, "India should have presented solid evidence to the world to prove its case." Addressing a ceremony at the US Embassy marking the 249th anniversary of American Independence, the prime minister recalled that during the Kakul Academy event, he had offered an international, credible and transparent probe into the Pahlagam incident, so that the world could sift through fact and fiction. "Our sincere offer was met with aggression," he said. "But Pakistan responded with patience and restraint." He said that on May 6-7, Indian aggression martyred 33 Pakistanis, including children and elders, and injured many others. "In our right to self-defence, we shot down six Indian planes," he noted, adding that US officials in contact with Pakistan at the time acknowledged the response and urged de-escalation. He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to peace, saying, "Despite our offer of de-escalation, India chose conflict." The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, ministers, parliamentarians and members of the diplomatic corps. Appreciating the role of US President Trump in securing the ceasefire, the prime minister said that Trump has proven himself to be a man of peace, committed to avoiding both cold and hot wars, and promoting trade and prosperity globally. The US president had advised both Pakistan and India to go for trade, investment and give up war and de-escalate, he added. He also lauded the role of the friendly and brotherly countries in the Middle East that proactively coordinated and supported Trump's genuine efforts. He expressed the hope that the truce would prove long-lasting. The PM also extended felicitations to US President Trump and the people of the US on their Independence Day. He expressed that the US-Pakistan ties were entering into a renewed friendship mode, and close contacts were being revived. Tonight, Pakistani nation joined the US people in paying homage to the US founding fathers, whose foresight and wisdom had changed the course of history, he said, adding that their democratic struggle, rule of constitution and equality equally resonate with the ideals of Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan. The prime minister also mentioned the Pak- US enjoyed historic, long standing and broad-based ties spanning over centuries. The US had supported Pakistan with construction of dams and other development projects. After 9/11, Pakistan faced a war on terror, its valiant forces and people laid down their lives and during the year 2018, they had comprehensively defeated terrorism. About 90,000 valuable lives were lost, besides the country suffered economic losses worth $150 billion, he said, adding there could not be a bigger manifestation of their commitment and resolve to fight terror in all its shades and colours. He expressed the hope that Pak-US bilateral trade would grow in volumes in the fields of IT, agriculture, education, health, etc., as both countries were discussing the tariff issue. He said that he was really inspired by Trump's vision for trade, investment and growth. Earlier welcoming the distinguished guests, US Chargé d'Affaires Natalie Baker reaffirmed the strength of Pakistan-US relations and expressed optimism about the future of bilateral cooperation. Marking the 249th anniversary of the United States' Declaration of Independence here at the US Embassy in Islamabad, she said, "Tonight is not only a celebration of our independence, but a reflection of the shared values that bind our two nations – liberty, equality, self-governance, and the pursuit of happiness." The event was attended by a large gathering of dignitaries, including Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, senior Pakistani government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, civil society representatives, and cultural icons, Baker paid tribute to the enduring friendship between the two countries. Baker, highlighting the historic nature of the relationship, noted that the US was among the first countries to recognize Pakistan's independence in 1947. "For the last 78 years, our partnership has grown in depth and dimension, rooted in mutual respect and a common vision of opportunity and prosperity," she added. She recalled how US development cooperation, through institutions such as USAID, had contributed to strengthening Pakistan's education, health, agriculture, and infrastructure sectors, and lauded the long-standing people-to-people ties that have been at the heart of bilateral engagement. Baker praised the contribution of US and Pakistani military officers who have jointly trained and served, saying their efforts have enhanced regional security and saved lives. "Our cooperation on defense and counterterrorism has brought tangible results," she said, citing Pakistan's recent capture and extradition of the ISIS-K operative responsible for the deadly 2021 Abbey Gate attack in Afghanistan. She appreciated the Pakistani government and security leadership for their role in fostering regional peace and stability, particularly acknowledging the efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal General Asim Munir. Touching upon economic engagement, she highlighted the recent Pakistan Critical Minerals Investment Forum and the growing collaboration in digital innovation and emerging technologies. She also referenced joint investments in cryptocurrency and other forward-looking initiatives that point to a 'shared vision for sustainable growth.' In a diplomatic nod to recent regional developments, Baker credited joint Pakistan-US efforts in helping broker a ceasefire between Pakistan and India, describing it as a testament to the power of constructive cooperation. "Together, we are charting new frontiers – in trade, security, culture, technology, and yes, even cricket," she remarked with a smile, referencing her engagement with Pakistani society on and off the field. The event, featuring traditional American culinary flavors and a musical performance by the United States Air Force band, celebrated not just US national identity but also the enduring bonds between the American and Pakistani peoples. In conclusion, Baker thanked all participants and reaffirmed Washington's commitment to a robust, mutually beneficial relationship. "Our relationship is strong – and the best is yet to come," she said. "May the United States and Pakistan continue to thrive together." The reception reflected the vibrancy of bilateral ties and the evolving nature of a partnership aimed at promoting regional peace, economic growth, and global cooperation.


Express Tribune
5 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Provinces demand NFC, agri tax review
The National Economic Council on Wednesday approved an enlarged national development outlay of Rs3.9 trillion, as some of the provinces have demanded reviewing the National Finance Commission and reopening the agriculture income tax issue with the International Monetary Fund. The NEC-approved the federal Public Sector Development Programme 2025-26 shows the government's political priorities to appease allies and spend more on roads. It approved reduced budgets for Pakistan's space and atomic energy programmes, health and education but increased allocations for the Sindh-specific projects and the parliamentarians' schemes. Headed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the NEC also set the economic growth target at 4.2% and inflation at 7.5% for the next fiscal year 2025-26. The NEC is the nation's constitutional body having mandate to approve the macroeconomic and development plans. The NEC also expressed concerns over growing population and showed resolve to find a solution, as the economic growth in this fiscal year was almost equal to the population growth rate. The NEC approved the Rs1 trillion for the federal Public Sector Development Programme and Rs2.9 trillion for the provincial annual development plans. The cumulative budgets of Rs3.9 trillion negate the harsh fiscal ground realities, as the federal government even went to the extent of further reducing some critical proposed allocations to make room for more politically oriented development spending. As against its earlier plan to allocate Rs50 billion for discretionary spending on the parliamentarians schemes, the allocation has been approved at Rs70 billion, showed the NEC document. Not only that, the federal government further increased the spending on provinces' development project from three-day old allocation of Rs93.4 billion to nearly Rs106 billion. The room has been created by further reducing the spending on health and education from the level approved by the Annual Plan Coordination Committee on Monday. The Higher Education Commission's allocation is drastically reduced to Rs39.4 billion whereas the Ministry of health's budget is cut to Rs14.3 billion. To make room for political projects, the allocation for power sector projects was reduced from the earlier proposed Rs104 billion to Rs90 billion. But the water sector allocation has been increased to Rs133 billion, from earlier proposed Rs119 billion. Compared to the budget approved by the APCC on Monday, the Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission's (SUPARCO) budget has been reduced from Rs24.2 billion to just Rs5.4 billon while the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission's budget is reduced from Rs4.7 billion to Rs781 million. The budget has been finalised by a committee comprising Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and PM's political Advisor Rana Sannuallah Khan. Such large allocations for the provincial projects are in breach of commitments to the IMF for reducing federal expense on provincial projects. The sources said that some of the NEC members discussed the low agriculture sector growth of mere 0.6% in this fiscal year and urged to change the economic policies, including high cost of inputs. The participants of the meeting said that Sindh asked to review the agriculture income tax and take it up with the IMF. Finance Secretary Imdad Ullah Bosal did not comment on the question whether the Ministry of Finance will take up the matter with the IMF. The four provincial governments have passed the new agriculture income tax laws but these have not yet been enforced. There is high chance that the IMF would not entertain any such request. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government took up the issue of delay in reopening the NFC award, as the provincial government is demanding higher share in the light of merger of the tribal districts. The prime minister assured the K-P government to convene the NFC meeting in August. However, the government has further reduced the K-P merged districts allocation from Rs70 billion to Rs65.4 billion that had been approved by the APCC on Monday. The Punjab government raised the issue of higher taxes on agriculture machinery. The NEC approved Rs2.86 trillion for the four provincial governments, with the highest spending outlay of Punjab worth Rs1.2 trillion. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa will spend Rs417 billion. Sindh government plans to spend Rs995 billion and the Balochistan government is proposing Rs280 billion for development. The proposed development allocations by the four provinces are roughly Rs860 billion more than what the IMF has included in its plan. It means either the provinces will not be able to spend the entire allocations or the IMF cash surplus target will not be met. The NEC also reviewed the implementation of the annual plan for this fiscal and approved the economic targets for the next fiscal. It also took a review of the implementation of the PSDP for the current fiscal year, taking note of low utilization of the funds. The NEC also discussed the progress report of the CDWP & schemes approved by CDWP and ECNEC in the past one year. The NEC authorized the publication of 13th Five Year Plan 2024-29 and approved the URAAN Pakistan Implementation Framework. Exports are projected at $35.3 billion, while foreign remittances are expected to exceed $39.4 billion in the next fiscal year. Imports are projected at $65.2 billion with the current account deficit estimated at $2.1 billion for the next fiscal year. Currently, 1,071 development projects with a total cost of Rs13.4 trillion are under implementation. These projects require an additional Rs10.2 trillion to be completed, and the planning ministry estimates it would take more than a decade to finish them all. The NEC also approved to publish the Five-year economic plan 2024-29. The NEC was told that 13th Five-Year Plan has been updated as a result of stakeholders' consultations and is ready for publication the five year's plan is aimed at a balanced regional and equitable development, enhance export orientation of the economy - vibrant SMEs sector - social protection and poverty alleviation - improve the quality of human resources - moving into the knowledge economy - adaptation and mitigation strategy to combat climate change. The Prime Minister had launched 'URAAN Pakistan' on 31st December, 2024 and the NEC on Wednesday approved its implementation framework.


Business Recorder
5 hours ago
- Business Recorder
President, PM pay tribute to security forces
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have paid tribute to the security forces for killing 14 India-sponsored Khwarij in Datta Khel area of North Waziristan. In their separate statements, they praised the bravery of the security forces and reiterated that due to their professional expertise, the scourge of terrorism would be uprooted entirely. President Zardari reiterated nation's resolve to eliminate terrorist elements and defend the country remained unwavering and expressed the country's commitment to eradicate the Fitna-al-Khawarij. Calling terrorists, the enemies of the humanity, the prime minister in a statement said their nefarious designs would be thwarted. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025