ISLAMABAD: The inaugural session of the 11th National Finance Commission (NFC) was held on Thursday, during which it was decided to form working groups to move forward on key fiscal matters.
The meeting was chaired by Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. The chief ministers of Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa attended in their capacity as provincial finance ministers, while the finance ministers of Punjab and Balochistan, along with private members, were also present.
The Ministry of Finance briefed the participants on the federal fiscal situation, while all four provinces presented their respective financial positions. Minister Aurangzeb thanked the chief ministers, provincial finance ministers, secretaries and commission members for their participation.
He said the session marked an important constitutional responsibility and an opportunity for cooperative dialogue. “The federal government was committed to convening the opening session of the 11th NFC without delay, and the Prime Minister personally ensured it was called at the earliest,” he stated, adding that provinces also demonstrated their willingness to fulfill the obligation in time.
Aurangzeb noted that the meeting had been postponed earlier due to devastating floods in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh.
He emphasised that transparency and open dialogue were key to addressing speculation around the NFC. “Our first priority is to listen to each other with an open mind. The federation is here to hear the provinces, and we expect provinces to move forward with constructive cooperation,” he said.
The minister appreciated the provincial commitment to fiscal surplus targets and cooperation on IMF programme implementation, describing it as evidence of joint resolve in the national interest.
He added that despite external security challenges and natural disasters, the federation stood united. “This spirit must continue throughout the 11th NFC Award process,” he said, adding that meaningful discussions would progress over the coming weeks and months.
Sources said 6 to 7 working groups will be formed under the new NFC, with a separate group to address matters related to the former FATA region. The next NFC session is expected to take place on January 8 or January 15.
Following the meeting, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah confirmed that working groups will lead future financial deliberations.
