Inaugural meeting of 11th NFC concludes in Islamabad, working groups to be formed to advance discussions on fiscal matters 

Islamabad (Web Desk): The 11th National Finance Commission (NFC) convened in Islamabad on Thursday, concluding with a decision to set up six to seven working groups aimed at advancing discussions on key fiscal issues.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the meeting, which brought together the chief ministers of Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) acting as provincial finance ministers, while Punjab and Balochistan were represented by their respective finance ministers.

Adviser to the KP Chief Minister on Finance, Muzzammil Aslam, attended alongside CM Afridi.

The session also included Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Rashid Langrial and private members from all four provinces.

According to sources, the next NFC meeting is expected on either January 8 or 15.

The working groups will tackle crucial financial matters, with a dedicated team focused on the former FATA region to ensure its merged districts are fully integrated into the federal fiscal framework.

After the meeting, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah told the media, “It has been decided that groups will be formed which will take financial matters ahead.”

KP CM’s adviser Muzzammil Aslam described the meeting as constructive, explaining that six to seven groups would be formed under an overarching umbrella group.

He confirmed that one group would specifically handle the fiscal integration of the former FATA districts.

“There is a working group on ex-FATA to decide how it should be included in the financial structure,” he said.

Aslam added that the meeting proceeded in a positive and collaborative atmosphere, with no pressure applied and everyone’s views heard. He clarified that no discussion took place regarding any reduction in provincial shares under the NFC Award.

Speaking during the meeting, Finance Minister Aurangzeb called the first meeting of the 11th NFC an important exercise in constitutional duty and mutual cooperation, noting that the NFC was established under Article 150 of the Constitution.

He highlighted that the 10th NFC Award concluded on July 21, 2025, and stressed that the federal government was committed to convening the new NFC session without delay, adding that the Prime Minister personally ensured the meeting took place promptly.

Aurangzeb explained that the session had been delayed earlier due to devastating floods in Punjab, KP and Sindh.

Addressing speculation around the NFC, he said, “The solution to concerns and ambiguities lies in sincere and transparent dialogue.”

He emphasized that the federal government approached the session with an open mind and without bias. “Our first priority is to listen to one another. The federal government is here to hear the provinces’ position,” he said.

Aurangzeb expressed hope that the provinces would engage constructively, praising them for signing the National Fiscal Pact as a sign of shared commitment to the national interest.

He also recognized provincial cooperation in achieving mandatory surpluses and implementing the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.

Reflecting on national challenges, Aurangzeb said, “This year the country faced extraordinary threats from India and severe floods, yet we stood united as a strong federation. This is the spirit we wish to preserve throughout the process of the 11th NFC Award.”