NFC Award Meeting Postponed Again, Now Set for November 27
The long-awaited meeting to discuss changes to Pakistan’s National Finance Commission (NFC) Award has been postponed once again, with the session now expected to take place on November 27, officials confirmed Wednesday.
The federal government had earlier scheduled the meeting for November 18 after an initial delay from November 10. However, the Ministry of Finance rescheduled the date once more following requests from provincial authorities seeking additional time for internal consultations.
This marks the second postponement of the crucial NFC discussions, which are expected to pave the way for the country’s eleventh revenue-sharing award between the federation and provinces. The repeated delays have raised concerns over fiscal coordination amid Pakistan’s fragile economic recovery.
Sources said the upcoming meeting—if held as planned—could signal major progress toward the new NFC Award. The International Monetary Fund (IMF), they added, is expected to be “on board” with the commission’s proposals, underscoring the significance of the process for Pakistan’s broader fiscal framework and its ongoing engagement with international lenders.
Officials estimate that, even with timely follow-ups and consistent meetings, finalizing the new NFC Award could take six to eight months. The next award is expected to address longstanding disputes over revenue distribution, provincial spending responsibilities, and resource allocations tied to population, poverty, and development needs.
The NFC Award, last updated in 2010, determines how federal tax revenues are divided among provinces. Economists and policymakers have repeatedly urged the government to expedite the process to ensure fiscal stability and better resource management across all federating units.
