Reports on budget authority shift termed misleading

Reports circulating in certain media outlets regarding the role of the deputy prime minister in the budget-making process have been described as misleading and contrary to facts by official sources.

Sources clarified on Thursday that the establishment of a high-level review committee by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif does not in any way transfer budgetary responsibilities from the Ministry of Finance.

They said the prime minister, as the head of government, is constitutionally and administratively empowered to seek input and consult cabinet members on policy matters. "Presenting this consultative process as sidelining any institution is not correct," a source said.

According to sources, the prime minister has constituted multiple committees headed by different federal ministers, including some chaired by the deputy prime minister, to review various policy and economic matters and submit recommendations.

They added that certain media reports have mischaracterised these developments, creating an impression of institutional change or disagreement within the government, which is not the case.

Sources further stressed that all matters related to the federal budget continue to be handled exclusively by the Ministry of Finance, while the committees function only in an advisory capacity and submit recommendations for consideration.