Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui Joins Economic Coordination Committee

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced on Thursday, May 21, 2026, that Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, the Minister for Education and a leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), has been appointed as a member of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC).

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the expansion of the committee, formally integrating the Education Minister into the body responsible for steering the nation’s financial and economic policy. In an official statement, the Prime Minister expressed his expectation that Dr. Siddiqui would play an active role in the committee, contributing to the country’s broader development and progress.

Strengthening the Coalition Partnership

This appointment follows a high-level meeting held on Wednesday between the Prime Minister and an MQM-P delegation led by Dr. Siddiqui. During the consultation, the delegation presented the party’s formal proposals for the upcoming national budget.

Beyond fiscal planning, the discussions covered the implementation of public welfare and development projects across Sindh and Karachi under federal oversight. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif characterized the MQM-P as a vital coalition partner, noting the party’s consistent support for initiatives centered on public welfare. The Prime Minister has directed relevant government authorities to review the budget proposals submitted by the MQM-P and to develop a feasible, comprehensive plan based on those recommendations.

The Role of the ECC

The Economic Coordination Committee remains the cabinet’s most critical body for urgent economic governance. Its mandate includes:

• Reviewing pressing economic issues and ensuring inter-departmental coordination on financial policy.
• Proposing measures to advance the government’s objectives for a welfare state.
• Monitoring monetary and credit conditions to stabilize the economy.
• Formulating recommendations to regulate credit, maximize production, and boost exports while curbing inflation.

Following structural changes approved by the Prime Minister in 2025, the ECC is chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. This shift marked a departure from previous administrative traditions, centralizing the committee’s leadership to improve decision-making efficiency regarding the country’s economic trajectory.

Key Takeaways

• New Appointment: Education Minister Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has been added to the Economic Coordination Committee.
• Budgetary Input: The decision follows the presentation of MQM-P budget proposals to the Prime Minister.
• Policy Focus: The committee will continue to prioritize economic stability, credit regulation, and the oversight of federal development projects in Sindh and Karachi.

As the government prepares for the upcoming budget cycle, the inclusion of coalition stakeholders in the ECC signals an effort to align economic policy with the priorities of its political partners. The administration continues to focus on balancing fiscal discipline with the delivery of welfare-oriented development programs.