Federal Budget 2026-27 | Growth, Governance & Economic Planning

In this important session from the IPS Pre-Budget Seminar 2026-27, Professor Dr. Shujaat Farooq critically examines the structural weaknesses in Pakistan’s budget planning process and the challenges preventing sustainable economic growth. The discussion highlights how the federal budget is often treated as a routine administrative exercise instead of a strategic economic roadmap. Dr. Shujaat Farooq explains the disconnect between annual budgets, long-term planning, and development priorities, while also emphasizing the lack of coordination between federal and provincial governments. Key issues discussed include: • Federal Budget 2026-27 • Economic growth challenges • Revenue targeting vs growth targeting • Excessive taxation and business environment • Human capital crisis in Pakistan • Education, health, and poverty challenges • Provincial and federal budget coordination • Export competitiveness and local economic mapping The session also raises concerns about Pakistan’s future productivity due to rising educational gaps, child stunting, and weak long-term planning mechanisms. Speaker: Professor Dr. Shujaat Farooq Organized by: Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿s 00:00 Introduction 00:40 Budget as a Routine Exercise 01:30 Lack of Long-Term Economic Planning 03:00 Why Development Plans Fail 04:10 Federal vs Provincial Budget Disconnect 05:30 Pakistan’s Human Capital Crisis 06:45 Education & Child Stunting Challenges 08:10 Local Economic Mapping & Exports 09:35 Why District Economies Are Struggling 10:50 47 Taxes but No Growth? 12:00 Revenue Targeting vs Growth Strategy 13:05 Final Remarks #PakistanBudget #Budget2026 #PakistanEconomy #EconomicGrowth #TaxSystem #IPSIslamabad #FiscalPolicy #EconomicPlanning #Pakistan #Development #HumanCapital #EconomicCrisis #PublicPolicy #BudgetDebate #PakistanNews