No leadership change planned after budget

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is not facing replacement and there is no change under consideration in the country's top political office following the passage of the federal budget for fiscal year 2026-27, a senior government adviser said on Saturday.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is not facing replacement and there is no change under consideration in the country’s top political office following the passage of the federal budget for fiscal year 2026-27, a senior government adviser said on Saturday.

Rana Sanaullah, adviser to the prime minister on political affairs, dismissed reports suggesting a possible change in leadership, calling the claims baseless and aimed at creating political uncertainty.

“There is no change in the offing,” Sanaullah told reporters, rejecting speculation surrounding Sharif’s future as prime minister. He said certain elements were attempting to spread misinformation and fabricate narratives that could create instability and confusion in the country.

The comments come amid growing political discussion following the government’s approval of the new federal budget, which outlines economic priorities for the coming fiscal year. Rumours circulating on social media and in political circles had suggested that changes could occur within the federal government after the budget’s passage.

Sanaullah said Sharif continued to enjoy the confidence of the ruling coalition and was leading the country in the right direction. He credited the prime minister with improving Pakistan’s standing internationally and said the government remained focused on addressing economic and governance challenges.

According to the adviser, Sharif’s leadership, work ethic and commitment to national development had earned public appreciation and strengthened Pakistan’s image abroad.

Addressing relations with the opposition, Sanaullah said the government remained open to political dialogue and engagement. He noted that his party had supported democratic processes even during periods when its leaders faced legal cases while in opposition.

On regional developments, Sanaullah said any easing of sanctions on Iran could benefit Pakistan’s economy by expanding opportunities for trade and economic cooperation between the neighboring countries.

Commenting on the political situation in Gilgit-Baltistan, he said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) would play the role of a constructive opposition. He noted that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had emerged as the largest party in the region and was consulting with other political groups regarding the formation of a coalition government.

The government has not announced any plans for changes in the federal leadership, and senior officials continue to reject speculation surrounding the prime minister’s position.