ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has said that the upcoming FY27 budget lays a strong foundation for accelerating the sustainable economic growth achieved over the past two years.
Speaking in the National Assembly after the debate on 140 recommendations made by the Senate, he said lawmakers from both treasury and opposition benches had provided valuable input during budget discussions, some of which would be incorporated into the Finance Bill 2026.
He noted that although concerns were raised regarding economic indicators and budget data, the government had maintained consistency in its methodology for reporting GDP growth and related statistics.
“The feedback we have received from inside and outside the House clearly shows that this is a positive and pro-growth budget aimed at sustaining and accelerating economic stability,” he said.
Aurangzeb thanked parliamentary leaders, including the heads of the Senate and National Assembly finance committees, for their detailed review and constructive suggestions.
Addressing objections over economic figures, he clarified that no changes had been made in the methodology used to calculate GDP or other indicators. He added that comparisons with FY18 data would be shared to demonstrate consistency across administrations.
He explained that real GDP is calculated at constant prices after adjusting for inflationary effects, while nominal GDP is measured at current market prices, and both serve different purposes in economic analysis. He further said per capita income is derived from gross national income and population estimates, in line with international standards.
The minister stated that Pakistan’s nominal GDP increased from $408.2 billion in FY25 to $452.1 billion in FY26.
Highlighting broader economic developments, Aurangzeb also referred to Pakistan’s recent diplomatic role in facilitating the US-Iran peace understanding, calling it a “golden chapter” in the country’s foreign policy history.
He added that the initial benefit of this diplomatic progress had already been reflected in reduced petroleum prices, including cuts of Rs74 per litre for petrol and Rs67 per litre for diesel announced by the prime minister.