The preparations for the federal budget for the financial year 2024-25 have commenced in Islamabad, as a priority committee, tasked with determining both the current and development budgets, is set to convene starting today.
Chaired by the special secretary of the Ministry of Finance, the committee's discussions are scheduled to extend until March 30, as confirmed by the Ministry of Finance sources.
Sources within the ministry indicate that the committee's primary objective is to estimate the federal current and development budgets for the upcoming financial year. Additionally, it will undertake a comprehensive review of the current financial year's budgets of various federal ministries.
Furthermore, the committee will also assess the needs for grants and subsidies for the next financial year, ensuring that budget allocations align with the government's priorities and objectives. This includes budget estimates for salaries and other operational expenses of federal ministries and departments.
Moreover, the committee is entrusted with the task of formulating recommendations for the allocation of the development budget. These recommendations will be drafted in accordance with the government's strategic goals and priorities.