Pakistan's PM Shehbaz Sharif Says Centre and Provinces Made Decisions 'in Best Interest' After NEC Meeting
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the National Economic Council (NEC) on Wednesday after the highest economic decision-making forum met to finalize federal and provincial development plans for the upcoming fiscal year. The NEC reviewed development plans worth Rs4.715 trillion and addressed challenges including rising global oil prices, with the PM emphasizing cooperation between central and provincial governments. The meeting comes as parliament prepares for budget sessions, with the budget expected to be presented on June 12.
Pakistan's National Economic Council convened to review and approve development plans for fiscal year 2026-27, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasizing that all decisions were made in the country's best interest through consultations with provincial leaders. The NEC, comprising the premier, four chief ministers, and four federal ministers, reviewed development plans totaling Rs4.715 trillion while addressing macroeconomic stability and growth challenges. The PM highlighted recent difficulties stemming from surging global oil prices and petroleum product increases, stressing that cooperation between federal and provincial governments was essential to navigate this period. The meeting agenda included reviews of annual plans, public sector investment proposals, and development working party progress reports, with the government implementing a Rs175 billion cut in planned spending. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was absent due to recovery from a recent medical procedure, and the meeting had been postponed three times previously amid negotiations over provincial shares in the federal divisible pool.
What's missing
The article does not provide details on the specific outcomes or decisions made regarding the provincial shares in the federal divisible pool under the National Finance Commission award, which was cited as a reason for the meeting's previous postponements.
What different sources said
Related
Halfway Through 2026 Primary Season: Six Key Takeaways from Congressional Races
Four more states held primaries this week, bringing the total to 26 states that have completed regular congressional primaries in the 2026 midterm cycle. Key patterns emerging include front-runners not always winning, House members struggling to advance to statewide office, and President Trump's endorsement record remaining largely successful despite low approval ratings. These trends are shaping the competitive landscape for the general election.
Congress Struggles to Build Support for $9 Billion Rayburn House Office Building Renovation
The Architect of the Capitol is pushing for a major renovation of the Rayburn House Office Building, which could cost $9 billion and last until 2045, but lawmakers remain hesitant to commit to the project. The building, constructed in 1965, is experiencing serious deterioration including 16 major leaks in the past year alone and risks of catastrophic system failure. The challenge reflects a broader political difficulty: Congress has historically been reluctant to fund its own infrastructure, with legislative branch spending averaging just 0.15 percent of total budget authority since 1976.
Study Finds College Faculty Lean Significantly Left, Raising Questions About Campus Ideological Diversity
A study commissioned by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression found that college faculty donors have an average ideology score of -1.02, comparable to Senator Bernie Sanders's -1.14, indicating strong leftward lean among faculty. The research cross-referenced over 100,000 faculty members with campaign contribution data, and separate surveys found only 20% of faculty believed a conservative scholar would be welcome in their department. The findings raise concerns about ideological diversity in higher education and its potential influence on student political attitudes.