Latest news with #MujtabaShuja-ur-Rehman
Business Recorder
18-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab ministers praise provincial budget
LAHORE: The provincial ministers have stressed that the Punjab Budget 2025-26 is not merely a collection of numbers but a concrete commitment to public welfare, prosperity and transparent governance; significant relief has been provided to the people in the Punjab Budget 2025-26 During a post-budget press conference here on Tuesday, Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman and Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb reiterated the Chief Minister's clear directives for the timely completion of every project, full transparency, and maximum benefit to the public. The total budget amounts to Rs 5,335 billion, with Rs 1,240 billion allocated specifically for development projects, they added. Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman said that, similar to last year, Punjab has once again presented a tax-free budget, with the development outlay amounting to 23 percent of the total provincial budget. He averred that no new taxes will be imposed in the budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26. He described the budget as a historic package for public services. He added that the budget is expected to set new records in development. He emphasised that the budget was prepared under the direct supervision of CM Maryam Nawaz, ensuring that the needs of all social classes were carefully considered. He further assured that no new taxes have been imposed on the public. 'Measures are underway to expand the tax net through the modernisation of the Punjab Excise and Taxation Department. Additionally, transparency is being enhanced through the implementation of e-governance, e-auctions, and e-tendering to curb corruption,' he added. Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb noted that this is the largest development budget in Punjab's history; the CM has introduced an unprecedented development budget, increasing it from Rs 832 billion (allocated in the 2024-25 budget) to Rs 1,240 billion. The Chief Minister has also brought all major development projects under public accountability, setting new standards for good governance, she added. According to her, significant allocations include Rs 81.1 billion for education, Rs 56.3 billion for healthcare and Rs 81.29 billion for agriculture. Special focus areas, based on the Chief Minister's priorities, include healthcare, education, agriculture, clean drinking water, sanitation and environmental protection. Moreover, as part of the 'Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar' initiative, 50,000 families have already received homes, with construction underway on an additional 100,000 housing units. On transport, she said that rapid progress is being made on the Automated Rapid Transport (ART) and e-bus projects in Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala. The Chief Minister has also directed that every city should have access to clean, quality public transport, with 1,100 new buses being added to the fleet this year; 24 electric buses are currently operating in Lahore. In the education sector, she said, Rs 40 billion is being utilised via school management councils to provide additional classrooms, IT labs and other facilities. Higher education will receive Rs 25 billion, the laptop scheme Rs 15 billion, scholarships for talented students Rs 15 billion, and the school meal programme Rs 7 billion, she added. 'In healthcare, Rs 181 billion has been allocated, including Rs 14.5 billion for the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in Lahore, and Rs 8 billion for a new state-of-the-art children's hospital in Rawalpindi. Centres of excellence in nursing will be established in Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi, with an allocation of Rs 23 billion,' she stated. According to her, under social protection, Rs 40 billion has been allocated for a ration card programme, along with prioritised schemes such as Himmat Card, Minority Card and Labour Card to provide immediate relief to vulnerable segments of society. Moreover, the CM Punjab Parwaaz Programme continues to offer technical training and respectable employment opportunities for youth. Aurangzeb further highlighted that improving the environment has become a mission for the Chief Minister, with Rs 795 billion allocated for this purpose. 'Funds have been designated for the installation of 25 air quality monitoring stations, climate observatories, and the creation of an environmental protection force.' In a move to revive the film industry, a Rs 7 billion fund has been established. For the welfare of journalists, a Rs 1 billion Journalist Endowment Fund and Rs 400 million for the Journalist Housing Foundation have been allocated, she said, adding that the Punjab Higher Education Commission will allocate Rs 18 billion to universities this year. Rs 40 billion has been earmarked for advanced IT laboratories in schools. Additionally, Aurangzeb mentioned that the School Nutrition Programme will be expanded to eight districts, with an investment of Rs 148 billion in health and education. 'Rural Health Centres (RHCs) and Basic Health Units (BHUs) will be transformed into Maryam Nawaz Health Clinics. The first Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital is also under construction in Lahore. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
16-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab unveils Rs5.335trn budget
LAHORE: Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman presented the Punjab budget for the financial year 2025-26 in the assembly session on Monday, outlining a total outlay of Rs 5,335 billion. The budget reflects significant allocations for development, social welfare, and infrastructure, marking, what the minister described as, a 'strategic shift' in Punjab's history. The provincial government has allocated Rs 2,706.5 billion for non-development expenditures, including pensions and salaries, reflecting a 6% increase from the previous year. Additionally, Rs 590 billion has been budgeted under current capital expenditure. Despite opposition lawmakers disrupting the session by protesting near Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's seat and labeling the budget as 'unrealistic', the finance minister proceeded with his speech, detailing sector-wise allocations. Shuja-ur-Rehman began by acknowledging the political and military leadership for safeguarding national interests during recent tensions with India. He emphasized the government's commitment to economic stability, noting a 94% reduction in internal debt servicing and an 88% decrease in estimated expenditures under Account-II (Food) compared to the current fiscal year. A substantial portion of the budget, Rs 1,240 billion (23% of the total outlay), has been allocated for development programs, representing a 47% increase from the previous year's Rs 842 billion. The social sector, including health and education, remains a top priority, receiving Rs 494 billion (40% of the Annual Development Program). Revenue collection for 2025-26 is estimated at Rs 4,890.4 billion, with Punjab expected to receive Rs 4,062.2 billion from the federal divisible pool under the National Finance Commission (NFC). Provincial receipts are projected at Rs 828.2 billion, with the Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) tasked with collecting Rs 340 billion, the Board of Revenue Rs 135.5 billion, and the excise department Rs 70 billion. The budget also incorporates Rs 470 billion under the federal government's agreement with the IMF, contingent on the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) meeting its targets. The government has allocated Rs 148 billion for education development, a 127% increase from the previous year. Initiatives include Rs 15 billion for student scholarships, Rs 40 billion for missing facilities in schools, Rs 5 billion to reduce dropout rates, and Rs 5 billion for centers of excellence in 36 districts. Additionally, Rs 3 billion has been earmarked for the Nawaz Sharif Center of Excellence in 10 divisions while Rs 35 billion will support the Punjab Education Foundation for private-sector collaboration. The health sector receives Rs 181 billion, a 131% increase, with Rs 72 billion allocated for the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in Lahore. Rupees 123 billion have been set aside for agriculture, livestock, and irrigation, alongside Rs 795 billion for climate resilient projects - a first in Punjab's history. This includes Rs 277.4 billion for climate adaptation, Rs 371.7 billion for mitigation, and Rs 146 billion for environmental protection capacity-building. Rupees 336 billion (27% of the development budget) will fund infrastructure projects, while Rs 85 billion supports Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's T-30 transport vision. Seed money of Rs 1 billion has been allocated for a feasibility study on Punjab's first public-private airline, and Rs 2 billion will initiate regional railway tracks in collaboration with the federal government. The energy sector receives Rs 7.5 billion, including Rs 600 million for a bio-fertilizer plant in Gujjar Colony and Rs 8 billion for solarizing courts, schools, and hospitals. Social protection programs are allocated Rs 31.4 billion, while Rs 11.6 billion will promote information, culture, and the film industry. The finance minister announced a 10% salary increase for government employees from Grade 1 to 22 and raised the minimum wage from Rs 37,000 to Rs 40,000. Additional allocations include Rs 400 million for the Housing Foundation and Rs 1 billion for the Journalist Endowment Fund. Shuja-ur-Rehman concluded by highlighting the completion of 6,104 projects in the current fiscal year and reaffirmed the government's commitment to sustainable development and economic growth. This budget, he stated, represents the highest-ever development expenditure in Punjab's history, setting a new benchmark for progress. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
16-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Budget FY2025-26: Punjab govt presents Rs5.3trn ‘tax-free' budget
Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman on Monday presented the provincial budget for the financial year 2025-26 in the assembly session. A week after the federal government announced its budget, the provincial government proposed its Rs5.335 trillion budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Out of the total budget outlay, Rs2.706 trillion has been allocated for non-development expenditure, including pensions and salaries. 'The non-development expenditure has increased by 6%,' he said. The provincial government has budgeted Rs590 billion under current capital expenditure. As the provincial minister presented the budget, the opposition lawmakers of Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) protested. He started the budget speech by mentioning the measures taken by the incumbent provincial government. 'I would like to congratulate the political and military leadership for safeguarding national interests during the recent tensions with India,' the minister said. 'We have completed 6,104 projects during the ongoing fiscal year,' he informed. He shared that the government is establishing the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in Lahore for Rs72 billion. Record development budget The provincial government allocated Rs1.24 trillion for development in FY26, an increase of 47% as compared to Rs842 billion allocated in FY25. 'This budget marks a strategic shift in Punjab's history,' said the minister. 'This is the highest ever development budget in the province's history.' For the province of Punjab, federal transfers have been estimated at Rs 4,062.2 billion under FDP for the upcoming fiscal year. Meanwhile, the provincial government has set a target of Rs828.1 billion for its own-source revenues in FY26. Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) targeted to collect Rs340 billion in FY26. Provincial surplus The Punjab government has allocated Rs740 billion under the estimated provincial surplus (EPS) for FY26, amid an understanding reached between the federal government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). 'It is pertinent to mention that the achievement of this provincial surplus is directly related to FBR's revenue target,' said the minister. The provincial government has allocated Rs494 billion for the social sector, which accounts for 40% of the development budget. Salaries and pensions Provincial government employees to receive a 10% salary increase. Meanwhile, the provincial government increased pensions by 5% for FY26. Education The provincial government has allocated Rs148 billion for education under the development package for FY26. Whereas, Rs661 billion was budgeted for the non-development expenditure of the education sector. Laptop scheme Under the Chief Minister's Laptop Scheme, Rs15.1 billion has been earmarked to distribute laptops to 112,000 students in FY26. The provincial government has budgeted Rs40 billion for the upliftment of government schools. Moreover, the Merit Scholarship Programme will receive Rs15 billion to provide educational opportunities to deserving students. For special education, the province has allocated Rs5 billion for FY26. Moreover, Rs25 billion has been earmarked for higher education in FY26. Health Health budget for the province has been raised to Rs630.5 billion for FY26. 'Similar to last fiscal, the health sector remains pivotal for the provincial government,' the minister said. The province has allocated Rs181 billion under the development budget for the health sector, an increase of 131% as compared to the last fiscal. Whereas, Rs450 billion has been earmarked under non-development expenditure for FY26. The minister shared that the provincial government has earmarked Rs109 billion for the establishment of the Nawaz Sharif Medical District in Lahore. He shared that Rs79.5 billion has been allocated for free medicines disbursement in government hospitals. Budget FY2024-25: Punjab govt presents Rs5.4 trillion 'tax-free' budget The Punjab government has allocated Rs411.1 billion for local bodies. Whereas, Rs150 billion and Rs20 billion will be provided as special grants for waste management and municipal corporations. Social security package The provincial government has proposed to allocate Rs70 billion under a social security package. Agriculture The provincial government has allocated Rs123 billion for the development expenditure of the agriculture, livestock and irrigation sector. Whereas, Rs56.2 billion has been budgeted for non-development expenditure. The Punjab government has allocated Rs335.5 billion for the construction sector. Earlier, Business Recorder, citing its sources, informed that the upcoming provincial budget will be tax-free, and no new taxes will be introduced. Estimated at over Rs1,200 billion, the new fiscal plan is expected to feature a record-breaking development outlay, emphasising health, education, infrastructure, and tourism. As per the report, the new budget will include over 850 development schemes, and the key projects include the expansion of Nawaz Sharif Medical City in Lahore, where new hospitals will be constructed under a public-private partnership model. The government also plans to roll out extensive sanitation and clean drinking water initiatives throughout Punjab. Infrastructure development remains a central priority.
Business Recorder
16-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Budget FY2025-26: Punjab govt presents Rs5.3tn ‘tax-free' budget
Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman on Monday presented the provincial budget for the financial year 2025-26 in the assembly session. A week after the federal government announced its budget, the provincial government proposed its Rs5.335 trillion budget for the upcoming fiscal year. As the provincial minister presented the budget, the opposition lawmakers of Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) protested. He started the budget speech by mentioning the measures taken by the incumbent provincial government. 'I would like to congratulate the political and military leadership for safeguarding national interests during the recent tensions with India,' the minister said. 'We have completed 6,104 projects during the ongoing fiscal year,' he informed. He shared that the government is establishing the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in Lahore at a cost of Rs72 billion. The provincial government allocated Rs1.24 trillion for development in FY26, an increase of 47% as compared to Rs842 billion allocated in FY25. 'This budget marks a strategic shift in Punjab's history,' said the minister. Budget FY2024-25: Punjab govt presents Rs5.4 trillion 'tax-free' budget Earlier, Business Recorder, citing its sources, informed that the upcoming provincial budget will be tax-free, and no new taxes will be introduced. Estimated at over Rs1,200 billion, the new fiscal plan is expected to feature a record-breaking development outlay, emphasising health, education, infrastructure, and tourism. As per the report, the new budget will include over 850 development schemes, and the key projects include the expansion of Nawaz Sharif Medical City in Lahore, where new hospitals will be constructed under a public-private partnership model. The government also plans to roll out extensive sanitation and clean drinking water initiatives throughout Punjab. Infrastructure development remains a central priority. More to follow
Business Recorder
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Indian aggression: Civil, military leadership, public and media lauded
LAHORE: Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman has said that Pakistan's civil and military leadership, the public, and the media stood united in the face of the Indian aggression. He expressed these views while addressing an event in line with Youm-e-Tashakur held at a government college here Thursday to mark the success of Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsus. The event aimed to honour the unwavering resolve, strategic brilliance and supreme sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces in thwarting hostile intentions. Many students, faculty members and local dignitaries participated in the event. While paying tributes to the Pakistan Armed Forces, he said that once again, India attempted an unprovoked attack under the cover of darkness and false allegations and once again, it faced a resounding defeat. 'Our forces responded with unmatched precision and bravery, securing a historic 6-0 victory,' he added. He emphasised that while India surpasses Pakistan in size, resources and population, its advantages pale before the steadfast faith and determination of the Pakistani military. 'Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsus stands as an unforgettable counter to India's Operation Sindoor, a triumph of spirit and strategy that will be remembered for generations,' he added. He also praised the role of the Pakistani media for countering misinformation with facts, saying it stood its ground, informing the public with responsibility and dignity. 'In contrast, the Indian media misled its people with false narratives and has become an object of international ridicule for its baseless propaganda,' he added. Paying homage to the martyrs, he added, 'We are a nation that does not fear death in the pursuit of truth. Our martyrs live eternally in our hearts, and their sacrifices define our identity.' He applauded the role of the Pakistan Air Force and extended congratulations to Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir on being honoured with the title of Field Marshal, stating that the nation fully trusts its military leadership. He expressed confidence in the country's direction, noting that Pakistan's economy is stabilising, institutions are strengthening, and inflation is gradually declining. 'These developments are evidence that Pakistan is in safe and capable hands,' he added. On this occasion, the Minister reaffirmed his commitment to the people of north Lahore, promising transformational development over the next three years. 'Not a single road in north Lahore will remain broken, and there will be no piles of garbage or sewerage problems; we will change its map,' he assured. Later, the Minister inaugurated a tree plantation initiative as part of the Clean and Green campaign. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
