Eleventh NFC meeting concludes, groups to tackle key financial issues formed

WEB DESK: The11th National Finance Commission (NFC) meeting, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, concluded with key decisions on advancing financial matters. Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah stated that the meeting decided to form separate groups to address various financial issues. NFC member Mazammil Aslam explained that the proposal involves creating different groups to focus on specific matters. One group, he added, will specifically work on integrating the former tribal areas (FATA) into the country’s financial framework.

The structured approach aims to ensure detailed deliberations on all fiscal and administrative matters, streamlining the process for better coordination between the federal government and provinces.

The inaugural session of the NFC meeting was held today bringing together provincial chief ministers, finance ministers, secretaries, and other key officials. Chief Minister (CM) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Sohail Afridi and CM Sindh Murad Ali Shah were also present.

In his opening remarks, the finance minister thanked participants for attending and called the meeting “an important opportunity to fulfill our constitutional responsibilities and strengthen intergovernmental cooperation.” He noted that the NFC is established under Article 150 of the Constitution of Pakistan, and stressed that the expiry of the 10th NFC award on July 21, 2025, made this session particularly significant.

Minister Aurangzeb highlighted the federal government’s commitment to convene the 11th NFC without delay, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif taking personal interest in ensuring the meeting was held promptly. He also acknowledged that the session had to be postponed earlier due to devastating floods in Punjab, KP, and Sindh.

The session will address three key agenda items. Members of the National Finance Commission include the finance ministers from all four provinces, along with four non-statutory representatives: Dr. Asad Sayeed for Sindh, Mehfooz Ali Khan for Balochistan, Nasir Mehmood Khosa for Punjab, and Dr. Musharraf Rasool Cyan representing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The finance minister underlined the importance of open, transparent, and constructive dialogue in addressing concerns and speculation related to the NFC. “Our first priority is to listen to one another,” he said, stressing that the federal government is present to understand provincial positions and work collaboratively.

He praised the provinces for signing the National Fiscal Pact, ensuring mandatory surpluses, and cooperating in the implementation of the IMF programme, calling these actions “testament to our shared commitment to national interests and unity in challenging times.”

Minister Aurangzeb described the NFC as vital for the equitable distribution of resources, fiscal stability, and sustainable economic growth. He expressed hope that the upcoming weeks and months would see purposeful and constructive discussions, with members engaging in mutual respect and collaboration to successfully complete the 11th NFC award process.