PM at NEC sees growth, employment as next economic frontier

June 10, 2026 (MLN): The next phase of Pakistan's economic journey must focus on injecting growth and creating jobs now that macroeconomic stability has been achieved.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made these remarks while addressing a meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) on Wednesday.

The NEC meeting came in two days before the federal budget for FY2026-27, scheduled for presentation on June 12.

The prime minister stressed that despite improved macro-level indicators, ordinary citizens remained concerned about jobs and access to basic facilities, underscoring the need to promote agriculture, exports and industrial development.

Mobilizing resources and providing incentives to key sectors were highlighted as essential to reviving industrial activity.

Inter-governmental coordination was cited as central to the government's economic management, with cooperation from provincial chief ministers during the budget-making process acknowledged.

The federation and provinces were described as jointly responsible for economic activity and development going forward.

On Pakistan's IMF programme, the prime minister noted the country had navigated several difficult challenges while remaining on track.

A discussion held the previous night with IMF Managing Director was referenced, with the Fund said to have appreciated Pakistan's stabilization efforts and expressed support for its reform agenda.

Rising oil prices stemming from recent regional tensions were flagged as an additional economic pressure.

Coordinated fuel supply management during the regional crisis was highlighted as an example of effective inter-provincial planning, with well-organized policies credited for preventing any disruption at petrol pumps.

Sacrifices by law enforcement agencies and the armed forces in the fight against terrorism were also acknowledged, with confidence expressed that terrorism would be eradicated through collective national efforts.

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