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Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab PA approves Rs5,335bn budget
LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly on Thursday approved a tax-free budget of Rs 5,335 billion for the fiscal year 2025-26, maintaining the current tax structure without imposing any new taxes. The Finance Bill 2025-26 was also passed, ensuring no changes in provincial taxes, property tax, or transport tax, with no additional levies on industries, agriculture, health, or education sectors. During the session, the House approved 41 demands for grants worth Rs4,306.9792 billion, while rejecting eight cut motions presented by the opposition. The newly passed budget and finance bill will take effect from July 1, 2025. Key allocations in the budget includes; Rs120 billion for construction of roads and bridges, Rs462 billion for pensions, Rs258 billion for healthcare facilities, Rs137 billion for education reforms, Rs200 billion for police to maintain law and order, Rs27 billion for jail administration, Rs1 billion for civil defence, Rs26 billion for farmers welfare, Rs66 billion for agricultural loans, Rs18.22 billion for industrial development and Rs37.96 billion for irrigation projects. Moreover, the assembly approved Rs910 billion for various development projects, Rs161 billion for government buildings, Rs26.5 billion for agriculture, Rs19 billion for veterinary services and Rs1.6 billion for fisheries. Grants for registration, stamps, motor vehicle acts, and excise were also approved. Four significant bills were presented by Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman which include Punjab Autism School and Resource Centre Bill 2025, Urban Immovable Property Tax (Amendment) Bill 2025, Essential Commodities Price Control (Amendment) Bill 2025 and Punjab Labour Courts Bill 2025 These bills were referred to relevant standing committees, with the Speaker seeking reports within two months. During the session, government member Saeed Akbar Nawani raised objections over duplicate serial numbers (35 and 41) in the demands for grants, suggesting they should be merged for clarity. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman responded that the practice was longstanding but assured a review to determine if a technical merger was feasible. The Punjab Assembly session was commenced under the chairmanship of Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan after a delay of 4 hours and 6 minutes. The proceedings began with heated exchanges over a point of order, as government member Munawar Ghous lashed out at the alleged illegal actions of the Counter-Cybercrime Department (CCD). Ghous claimed that a former councillor from his constituency was unlawfully arrested by a CCD DSP, handcuffed, paraded in public, and humiliated. He further alleged that the officer slapped the detainee, recorded videos, and encouraged bystanders to film the incident, saying, 'Look at him and make videos.' Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan termed the act unconstitutional and illegal, stating, 'If a video was indeed made, it violates both the law and a High Court order.' He directed the Provincial Minister for Parliamentary Affairs to investigate the matter, calling it a 'bad practice.' In response, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman assured the assembly that he would look into the issue immediately. The Speaker also emphasized the need for the government to disarm the public, stating, 'I will consider this government successful only when it retrieves weapons from people's hands.' He expressed concern over personal vendettas leading to entire villages living in fear, urging the minister to take the matter to the cabinet. 'Armed civilians spread terror, and murders are occurring in broad daylight,' he added. Minister Shujaur Rehman responded that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was already working on a campaign to eliminate weapons from society and eradicate such a culture. He recalled that the cabinet had previously discussed reopening arms licences in Punjab. Meanwhile, Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan read the ruling regarding his decision on June 16th incident in which the Speaker suspend opposition member Hassan Malik for his misconduct during the budget session. The Speaker stated that opposition members attempted to disrupt the budget speech, with Hassan Malik allegedly throwing the budget book at the Finance Minister. 'After reviewing the video footage, it became clear that this behaviour was repeated, forcing the Finance Minister to halt his speech,' the Speaker said. While acknowledging that protest is a constitutional right, he emphasized, 'I will not allow the assembly to be taken over. I have the authority to suspend members for misconduct. Attempts to obstruct House proceedings will not be tolerated.' The Speaker warned that strict action would be taken against any member trying to disrupt the assembly's functioning. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PA passes key budget grants
The Punjab Assembly on Wednesday approved over Rs638 billion in grants for five major departments by rejecting all cut motions moved by the Opposition, which had questioned the government's policies and the performance of various sectors. Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman presented the grants following the conclusion of the general discussion on the 202526 annual budget, which spanned five consecutive days. The session was presided over by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan. The grants passed include Rs200.10 billion for the police, Rs26.53 billion for agriculture, Rs258.97 billion for health services, Rs137.53 billion for education and Rs15.16 billion for public health. The Opposition's attempts to reduce allocations were firmly defeated by the treasury benches, which maintained majority support throughout the proceedings. During the session, Opposition lawmakers, particularly from the PTI, criticised the police department, accusing it of political victimisation. They alleged that police had registered fake cases against PTI leaders and failed to perform its primary duties of maintaining law and order. PTI MPA Sheikh Imtiaz called for urgent police reforms and the depoliticisation of the force, while Ijaz Shafi claimed the police were ineffective and accused them of wasting taxpayer money, asserting that they could not even deal with local outlaws. On the agriculture front, the Opposition questioned the allocation of Rs26.53 billion, arguing that the sector had been mismanaged and neglected. PTI's Farhat Abbas alleged that the government had failed to support farmers or even produce quality seeds. In response, Agriculture Minister Syed Muhammad Ashiq Hussain Shah defended the allocation, highlighting several initiatives, including the introduction of a fertiliser act, zoning for early cotton sowing, and provision of tractors to high-yield wheat farmers. He added that Rs32 billion had been earmarked for water conservation and another Rs30 billion for interest-free loans to purchase agricultural machinery. He claimed the government had already disbursed Rs80 billion to farmers and intended to increase this to Rs200 billion. The Opposition also raised concerns over the health sector, citing Pakistan's low global ranking and the growing number of drug addicts and shortage of medical professionals. However, Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique rejected these criticisms and detailed several major initiatives undertaken by the government. He said 100 beds had been allocated for advanced-stage cancer patients at the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital, while new cardiology hospitals were under construction in Sargodha and Sahiwal. Burn units were also being established in Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan, and over 900 medical clinics had been set up in underserved areas. In the education sector, the government approved a grant of Rs137.53 billion, again brushing aside Opposition objections. A grant of Rs15.16 billion was also approved for public health, with the government defending its approach to improving services through partnerships and infrastructure upgrades. In his concluding remarks, Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman described the budget as balanced and people-centric, claiming it reflected the aspirations of the common man. He said the government had made difficult but necessary decisions.
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab finance minister explains budgetary allocations
LAHORE: Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman dismissed all objections raised by the opposition, declaring the 2025-26 budget as a welfare-oriented budget for the people. The Punjab Assembly approved five demands worth over Rs. 636.65 billion, including allocations for the police, health, and education departments, while rejecting the opposition's cut motions with a majority vote. The assembly session, delayed by 3 hours and 33 minutes, began under the chairmanship of Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan. The opposition started chanting slogans upon entering the house. Wrapping up the five-day budget debate, Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman stated that the government had presented a balanced and exemplary budget, fully aligned with public aspirations. A total of 100 treasury members and 62 opposition lawmakers participated in the discussion. The minister highlighted that the Punjab budget was not based on political expediency but on public welfare. He assured that this was a highly progressive budget, with Rs. 1,240 billion allocated for development while Rs 840 billion was allocated in the previous year. Non-development expenditures were significantly reduced, and circular debt was brought down to Rs. 58 billion. The food account was reduced from Rs. 468 billion to Rs. 68 billion for the first time. The government completed 6,104 development schemes and allocated a historic budget for education, including Rs. 37 billion for the CM Laptop Scheme. Health remained a top priority, with the Nawaz Sharif Medical District project launched with Rs. 109 billion, alongside the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital and Nawaz Sharif Cardiology Hospital in Sargodha. Agriculture was declared the cornerstone of Punjab's economy, with Rs. 129.8 billion allocated for farmer-friendly initiatives, including interest-free loans, solar panels, and tractor schemes. Over one million farmers benefited from these programs. Additionally, Rs. 335.5 billion was allocated for infrastructure, Rs. 16.8 billion for trade and industry, and Rs. 25 billion for skills development. The minister rejected opposition claims of neglecting rural areas. Government has allocated Rs 10 billion for 'Ideal Village Program.' In transport, 27 eco-friendly buses were operational in Lahore, with 1,200 more to be procured. The budget also emphasized environmental sustainability, with afforestation campaigns and Rs. 10 billion allocated for shrimp and fish farming. Social welfare programs like the 'Himmat Card,' 'Dehi Rani,' 'Munarri Card,' and 'Maryam Nawaz Social Security Ration Card' were introduced for women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. The Punjab Police received Rs. 300 billion to enhance public security. The finance minister urged the opposition to engage in constructive criticism rather than obstruction, emphasising that the budget was a step toward economic self-reliance and equitable resource distribution. He thanked all lawmakers who participated in the debate and expressed confidence that under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's leadership, Punjab would achieve unprecedented progress and prosperity. The Punjab Assembly rejected the opposition's motion demanding cuts in the police budget by a majority vote, while approving a grant of over 200 billion rupees for the police. Speaking on the opposition's cut motion, Finance Minister Mujtaba criticised previous governments, alleging that: 'Buzdar came and opened a shop in the Chief Minister's House where appointments and transfers were made in exchange for money. If we talk about corruption, PTI has broken all records— no one can compete with them.' Earlier, opposition leaders Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar, Junaid Afzal Sahi, Sheikh Imtiaz, and others spoke on the cut motion regarding the police department, stating that a December 2023 report showed an increase in crime rates in Punjab. Meanwhile, the cut motion presented by the opposition regarding the agriculture department was rejected by a majority vote. However, the demand for an agriculture budget of 26 billion 52 crore rupees was approved. Responding to the opposition's cut motion on agriculture, Agriculture Minister Ashiq Kirmani said, 'If only they had read the budget, they would have known what the government is doing for agriculture. The days when the agriculture and livestock departments were ignored with minimal budgets are over. For the first time in Punjab's history, zoning has been implemented for early cotton cultivation. The Fertilizer Act has been introduced for the first time, and dealers and sub-dealers will be registered in Punjab.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PA speaker cautions opposition over 'chaos'
Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan on Sunday warned the Opposition against disrupting the House proceedings, cautioning that continued disorder could lead to constitutional consequences. Speaking during the fourth day of the general discussion on the provincial budget for the fiscal year 202526, Speaker Khan reminded lawmakers that assembly rules prohibit interrupting proceedings or displaying placards during the session. "No member is allowed to speak or argue without the Speaker's permission, and protest slogans or signage inside the House are also barred," he said. While treasury lawmakers continued to laud the budget presented by the provincial government, Opposition members maintained a harsh critique. Leader of the Opposition Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar and PTI's Farhat Abbas cited the Auditor General's report, which, according to them, highlighted irregularities worth Rs1 trillion across various departments. Abbas demanded strict action against those responsible for financial mismanagement. On the treasury side, Law Minister Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bherth and Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique defended the budget, citing large-scale development projects. Minister Bherth announced plans to establish new ring roads and expressways, adding that 12,000 kilometres of roads had already been constructed "with honesty and dedication." Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat said the education budget for universities had been increased six-fold, from Rs3 billion in 2024 to Rs18 billion this year. He added that ten teachers were sent for training to Scotland and 100 more would follow next year. "This year alone, 83,000 children have been newly enrolled in schools, and we are working to establish more universities," he said.
Business Recorder
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Punjab Assembly condemns Israel for attacking Iran
LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly unanimously passed a resolution condemning Israel's attack on Iran during its session on Friday, which also saw discussions on other key provincial matters. Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan reprimanded Parliamentary Secretary for Energy Mansoor Azam over non-participation of members in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee and non-release of funds. Government member Imran Javed demanded that biogas produced from dung should be supplied to local communities, to which the parliamentary secretary pledged support once gas production capacity increases. The session witnessed a heated exchange between opposition member Sardar Muhammad Ali Khan and treasury member Rana Muhammad Arshad. Furthermore, opposition members chanted slogans demanding the release of PTI's founder during the session presided over by Speaker Khan. The Speaker warned them, stating, 'Don't mess with me, behave well with me. Whether anyone knows about me or not, Sardar Muhammad Ali knows.' Subsequently, the Speaker criticized Parliamentary Secretary for Energy Mansoor Azam regarding CSR funds and committee member issues, leading to a five-minute adjournment. Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique sought permission to present the resolution on the Israeli attack on Iran. The Speaker suspended the rules and approved the resolution. It stated that just as the international community played its role in securing a ceasefire in the Pakistan-India conflict, global institutions must similarly fulfill their responsibility to stop Israeli aggression against Iran and Palestine. A resolution by government member Mansab Ali Dogar against ineffective poplar tree plantations was also passed unanimously. The resolution declared poplar trees ineffective for the environment, demanding a ban on their plantation and recommending an emergency tree plantation drive in July 2025. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
