
Punjab CM hails ‘tax-free' budget
The CM added, 'We will eliminate a gap between development and facilities in cities and villages. Fruits of development will now reach every village. 1800 villages in Punjab will be made model villages.'
The Chief Minister said, 'Besides Lahore Development Program, Punjab Development Project is also being brought in. Development will no longer see a difference between rich and poor. It will be rather equal for all.' She underscored, 'We have come with a spirit of serving the common man, and may Allah Almighty grant us success. We are sincerely trying to fulfil the mission of welfare of the people of Punjab. We will fulfil promises made to the farmers. More than 129 billion are being allocated for the purpose.'
She noted, 'Not thousands but millions of farmers will benefit from the Green Tractor Scheme. Rs 15.5 billion are being given for more tractors. The construction and expansion of more than 12,000 kilometres of roads will be a record.' She added, 'Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital and Sargodha's Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology will be completed this year. Nawaz Sharif Medical District will be the first center in Pakistan where all deadly diseases will be treated, and research will also be conducted.'
The Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said, 'Students will be given meritorious scholarships and laptops. Children will not sit on floor in any school in Punjab. Rs 40 billion are being given to provide them all missing facilities. Layyah and Bhakkar along with other remote districts will be given access to the motorway, besides extending better communication links to Muzaffargarh and Mianwali.'
She vowed, 'We will not let the children of labourers sleep hungry, and will give Rs 40 billion for their ration cards.'
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Business Recorder
2 hours ago
- Business Recorder
India: chickens have finally come home to roost
In an interesting but important development, US President Donald Trump has said he 'will substantially raise tariffs on India' over its purchases of Russian oil. In his new post, the US President assailed New Delhi for buying Russian oil and then selling it. Over the weekend the Indian government had said that India would keep purchasing oil from Russia despite Trump threats, prompting White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller to officially accuse India of effectively financing Russia's war in Ukraine by purchasing oil from Moscow. The Indian diaspora or NRIs (non-resident Indians) in North America in particular are being chastised for Modi government's policy of funding the Russian war to kill innocent men and women in Ukraine. India deserved it because it had been trying to appease both the US and Russia simultaneously by pursuing the policy of running with the hares and hunting with the hounds. Now for the Sangh Parivar chickens have finally come home to roost. The consequences of India's bad actions are therefore unpleasant and unavoidable. Sudhir Chaudhry (Chicago, Illinois, US) Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


Business Recorder
3 hours ago
- Business Recorder
CDA chief orders third-party audit of uplift projects
ISLAMABAD: Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa on Monday directed third-party audits for all ongoing development projects, and ordered expedited completion of Islamabad Model Jail, IT Facilitation Centres, electric tram feasibility, and the operationalisation of the Blue Area Food Street. The directives came during a review meeting at the CDA headquarters. The meeting was attended by senior CDA and ICT Administration officials, including Member Administration and Estate Talat Mehmood, Member Engineering Syed Nafasat Raza, Member Environment Esfandyar Baloch, and others. The meeting reviewed progress on critical infrastructure and urban uplift projects such as Shaheen Chowk, Kashmir Chowk, Faizabad Interchange, Gardenia Hub (CDA Model Nursery), Pak Secretariat uplift, modern streetlight installation, police station upgrades, Safari Park, Theme Park, cable car, ferris wheel, and dancing fountain initiatives. Randhawa also instructed a detailed financial study of all projects recently transferred from PWD to CDA, including cost assessments, fund utilisation, and quality evaluation. He tasked the Planning and Engineering Wings to develop a strategy for the timely and efficient completion of these projects. In addition, directives were issued to accelerate the rollout of electric buses, establish charging stations, enhance the solid waste management system, improve water supply across sectors, and upgrade all 279 parks in Islamabad. Funds from CDA's commercial plot auctions will be channelled into these initiatives. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


Business Recorder
3 hours ago
- Business Recorder
K-IV project: governor says Centre has already released Rs20bn
KARACHI: Governor Sindh Muhammad Kamran Khan Tessori has announced that the federal government had already released Rs 20 billion out of the Rs 40 billion requested for Karachi's development, to be executed through elected representatives. He also proposed a meeting at Governor House with Chamber representatives to discuss the K-IV project and explore the possibility of transferring its ownership to the business community for expedited execution. Governor, who graced the closing ceremony of the 20th edition of the iconic 'My Karachi – Oasis of Harmony' Exhibition, organized by the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), has praised KCCI for organizing the event in a vibrant and engaging manner. Emphasizing the need for secure infrastructure and access to basic services, he stressed that both federal and provincial governments must work closely to address Karachi's genuine challenges. He urged the business community to collaborate with his office and legislators for shaping strategic industrial and infrastructure development initiatives. Governor Tessori further revealed plans to issue a recommendation letter for a prestigious civil award to Chairman Businessmen Group (BMG) Zubair Motiwala in recognition of his unmatched contributions to Karachi's business ecosystem. At the inauguration ceremony, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah lauded the Karachi Chamber for successfully staging the 20th edition of My Karachi Exhibition and reiterated the Sindh Government's firm support for the business community. He announced the launch of Sindh's Independence Day celebrations under the theme 'Maarka-e-Haq'—symbolizing Pakistan's continuing struggle for justice, sovereignty, and unity. Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala shared that the 21st My Karachi would also promise greater international participation and enhanced features for visitors. He informed that this year's edition saw participation from 7 consulates and over 20 multinational companies, which showcased a broad range of products and services. 'Exhibitors, visitors and people from different walks of life have been advising KCCI to hold this grand exhibition twice a year which is testament to its growing impact and popularity,' he stated. Appreciating the Sindh government's support, Motiwala emphasized the need for swift resolution of lingering challenges, especially the shortage of water and gas faced by industries, and called for completion of the K-IV project at the earliest. President KCCI Muhammad Jawed Bilwani extended heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders and the media for their unwavering support. He congratulated Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala, Chairman Special Committee Muhammad Idrees, and KCCI's Managing Committee for organizing a memorable and impactful event. He especially praised the participation of women entrepreneurs and public welfare institutions who were provided subsidized or complimentary stalls. President Bilwani reiterated the urgent need for a modern, provincial-level Expo Center in Karachi and highlighted the city's dire infrastructure woes, including poor roads, drainage, traffic, encroachments, and rising street crime. He stressed on the Safe City Project and improved surveillance to ensure a secure environment conducive to business and investment. He also underlined the imbalance in gas and water distribution, demanding Sindh's due share and questioning the justification behind high water tariffs for Karachi, the country's largest tax-contributing city. From cultural shows, fireworks, and musical performances to economic dialogue and international participation, the 20th My Karachi Exhibition truly lived up to its legacy of being more than just a trade show, it was a celebration of Karachi's soul. It reaffirmed the city's resilience, vibrancy, and critical role in Pakistan's economy. The event not only offered affordable shopping and family entertainment but also served as a platform for strategic dialogue between government, business leaders, and foreign missions. The Karachi Chamber remains committed to further enhancing the scope and stature of My Karachi Exhibition in the years ahead, and to continue serving as the collective voice of the city's business community. The 20th edition of the iconic 'My Karachi – Oasis of Harmony' Exhibition, organized by the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), concluded at the Karachi Expo Center with resounding success, celebrating Karachi's entrepreneurial energy, cultural diversity, and untapped economic potential. Over three vibrant days, the Expo Center became a melting pot of commerce, culture, diplomacy, and innovation, attracting nearly 800,000 visitors and showcasing over 350 stalls by local and international exhibitors. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025