Why budget-making in Pakistan is a struggle to plug holes

Pakistan’s 2025-2026 delayed budget presentation now likely on June 10 underscores deep economic uncertainty. Dictated by the IMF and living from one tranche to the next, Pakistan has the distinction of being IMF’s best customer – 24 times since 1958, and most notably without significant reforms to improve public governance.

According to the Express Tribune, Pakistan with major contraction in agriculture - historically a lifeline for the economy, has missed its growth targets for the fiscal year. Production of important crops has declined by 13.49 percent, compelling the country to increase grain imports. The Ministry of Finance estimates that wheat import alone will cost over $1 billion — a crippling figure for an import-dependent, dollar-strapped economy. This is the state of the land once considered a ‘granary’ of the sub-continent.