Latest news with #MujtabaShujaurRehman
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Tensions flare as PA clears Rs3.67tr in grants
The Punjab Assembly on Thursday approved 36 out of 41 demands for grants worth Rs3,667.71 billion for various departments, rejecting all cut motions presented by the Opposition. The cut motions, which sought to reduce budgetary allocations on grounds of alleged mismanagement and poor performance, targeted key departments such as police, education, health, agriculture, and public health. However, the treasury benches dismissed them by majority vote. The grants were part of the total Rs4,306 billion budget for the fiscal year 2025-26. A day earlier, on June 25, the Assembly had passed five of the demands amounting to Rs638.29 billion. The presentation of grants followed the conclusion of a five-day general discussion on the budget, led by Provincial Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman. Among the grants approved was Rs1,036.96 billion for miscellaneous expenditures, which drew particular criticism from Opposition lawmakers. Sheikh Imtiaz, a member of the Opposition, argued that this amount made up 20% of the total budget and questioned the lack of transparency about the institutions covered under this category. In response, Finance Minister Rehman clarified that this amount included allocations for various authorities, the Pay and Pension Fund (PF), as well as initiatives related to Women Development, Baitul Maal and Zakat and Ushr. The Assembly also approved Rs125.23 billion for general administration and Rs9.54 billion for housing and physical planning, despite similar objections raised by the Opposition regarding lack of clarity and alleged overlaps with other departments. With the Opposition's cut motions exhausted, the remaining grants were presented and passed through voting. These included allocations of over Rs.462 billion for pensions, more than Rs.910 billion for development projects, Rs200.10 billion for the police department, Rs258.97 billion for health services, Rs137.53 billion for education, Rs26.53 billion for agriculture, and Rs15.16 billion for public health. Several other departments, including those related to justice, jails, museums, and infrastructure, also received substantial funding through approved demands.
Express Tribune
4 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.
Arab News
16-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan's Punjab unveils $18.9 billion budget, increases development spending by 47%
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's largest and richest Punjab province on Monday unveiled its Rs5.33 trillion [$18.9 billion] budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, increasing its development spending by 47% and refraining from imposing new taxes on the masses. Punjab, home to more than half of Pakistan's over 240 million people, plays a dominant role in the national economy. It contributes roughly 60% to Pakistan's gross domestic product and receives the largest share of federal funds under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. Last year, Punjab's budget for FY2024–25 was about $19.6 billion, with a development outlay of $3 billion. Punjab's budget is seen as politically significant for the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which has faced tough economic and governance challenges since forming its government at the center last year. 'The total outlay for [Punjab's] 2025-2026 budget is Rs5,335 billion [$19.2 billion],' Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman said while presenting the budget in the provincial assembly. Rehman said the provincial government was presenting a 'record-breaking development budget' this time. 'For which the total amount recommended is Rs1,240 billion [$4.36 billion], which is more than 47% compared to the current financial year,' he added. The minister said the FY26 budget did not contain any new taxes on the masses, adding that the government wanted to widen the tax net to increase revenue. Punjab's own-source revenue is projected at Rs828.1 billion ($2.94 billion), including Rs524.7 billion ($1.86 billion) in tax receipts and Rs303.4 billion ($1.08 billion) in non-tax receipts. According to budget documents seen by Arab News, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has set a national target of Rs14,131 billion ($50.11 billion), with Punjab's share estimated at Rs4,062.2 billion ($14.4 billion). Rehman said the province has proposed a significant increase in education and health budgets to benefit the people of Punjab. HEALTH, EDUCATION BUDGETS 'The total allocation for the education sector is Rs811.8 billion ($2.88 billion), which is 21% higher than last year, where development allocation stands at Rs148.5 billion ($526 million), the highest in the province's history and 127% higher than the previous year,' he said. He said Punjab would launch new education projects while continuing existing ones, allocating Rs15 billion ($53 million) for scholarships for high-achieving students and continuing with its Rs5.9 billion ($21 million) Undergraduate Scholarship Programme. 'To address infrastructure needs, Rs40 billion ($142 million) is set aside for building classrooms, while a Rs35 billion ($124 million) Education Delivery Programme aims to enhance access and quality across Punjab,' Rehman said. The minister said the provincial government has allocated Rs630.5 billion ($2.24 billion) for the health sector in this budget, which is 17% higher than last year. 'Of this, Rs181 billion ($641 million) is earmarked for development, reflecting a 41% increase over the previous year,' Rehman said. The minister said Punjab had allocated Rs494 billion ($1.75 billion) for the social sector, which accounted for 40% of the development budget. Rehman said provincial government employees' salaries would be increased by 10%, while pensions have been raised by 5% and the proposed increase in the minimum wage is from Rs37,000 ($131) to Rs40,000 ($142) per month. The minister said that the new budget has given special priority to Pakistan's agriculture sector. 'In the next financial year, Rs123 billion ($436 million) are allocated for development in the agriculture, livestock, irrigation, and water sectors, while Rs56.2 billion ($199 million) is allocated for non-development expenses,' he said. The provincial minister said to ensure a climate-resilient Punjab, a record Rs795 billion (approximately $2.82 billion) worth of projects were included in the budget this year, accounting for 64% of the overall development budget. Pakistan's top revenue-generating Sindh province last Friday unveiled its Rs3.45 trillion ($12.41 billion) new budget while the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province announced a surplus budget of Rs2,119 billion ($7.63 billion) for the next year on the same day.
Express Tribune
16-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Punjab unveils Rs5,335bn tax-free budget for 2025-26
Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman on Monday presented a Rs5,335 billion budget for fiscal year 2025–26 in the provincial assembly, terming it a "people-friendly" plan aligned with the development vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The provincial cabinet, led by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, approved the budget ahead of the session. CM Maryam addressed the 27th provincial cabinet meeting, announcing zero-tax budget for fiscal year 2025–26. Chief minister said the budget reflects 'every rupee as a public trust' and is guided by 'accountability before God.' In her address, Maryam Nawaz highlighted a 47% increase in the Annual Development Programme (ADP), taking it to Rs1,240 billion, while ensuring no new taxes were introduced. 'This is a zero-tax budget and also the largest development budget in Punjab's history,' she said. She noted that despite record allocations, 'no financial scandal has emerged,' crediting improved financial discipline, e-tendering processes, and a focus on transparency and good governance. 'Instead of raising taxes, we will focus on expanding the tax net,' she said, while expressing dissatisfaction over the Punjab Revenue Authority's performance, adding that 'there is room for improvement.' CM Maryam Nawaz outlined several achievements and goals, including the launch of 100 innovative development projects, 94 new public programmes, and the construction or expansion of 12,000 kilometres of roads. '700 roads are currently under construction,' she added. The chief minister reaffirmed her government's focus on health and education, promising provision of free medicines and infrastructure upgrades in public schools. She also announced that the minimum wage had been set at Rs40,000 and called for the digitalisation of wage systems. Maryam Nawaz credited her team's efforts, applauding the senior minister and the chief secretary's performance, noting that her father, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, also praised the cabinet's work. 'We declared an emergency in Punjab and delivered. We met IMF conditions and still presented a Rs740 billion budget surplus,' she said. She also hinted at a possible performance-based bonus system for civil servants and said the province had achieved a 94% reduction in local borrowing. Calling the 2025–26 budget a 'historic public service package,' she concluded, 'The work ethic in Punjab has transformed. Power is a trust from God; serving people is our mission.' Senior Minister for Planning & Development Marriyum Aurangzeb and Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman gave detailed briefings during the session. In a post on social platform X, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said the Annual Development Programme (ADP) had been increased by 47%—from Rs842 billion to Rs1,240 billion—despite a 'compressed' overall fiscal space. Government operational expenses rose by just 3%, even with salary and pension hikes. Punjab Budget Highlight Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved Punjab Annual budget. Despite a comparatively compressed budget, the ADP has increased by 47% from 842 bn to 1240 bn while government operational expenses rose only by 3%, even after salary & pension… — Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) June 16, 2025 Aurangzeb described the budget as a historic and strategic realignment of priorities, calling it a departure from outdated traditions under the chief minister's 'fearless and reformist leadership.'
Arab News
16-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Punjab to unveil new budget today, pledges ‘people-friendly' spending amid economic pressures
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Punjab province, the country's most populous and economically crucial region, will present its budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year today, Monday, with officials promising a 'people-friendly' plan, Radio Pakistan reported. Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman is scheduled to table the budget in the provincial assembly in Lahore after the cabinet's formal approval. Punjab's budget is seen as politically significant for the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which faces tough economic and governance challenges nationwide. 'This budget reflects Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's vision to prioritize people's welfare and accelerate development projects across the province,' Rehman was quoted as saying by state-run Radio Pakistan. Punjab, home to over half of Pakistan's 240 million people, plays a dominant role in the national economy, contributing roughly 60 percent of the GDP. It also receives the largest share of federal funds under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. Last year, Punjab's budget for FY2024–25 was about $19.6 billion, with a development outlay of $3 billion. Officials have said the upcoming budget will maintain a focus on infrastructure upgrades, agriculture support and social welfare schemes to help shield the population from rising prices. Local media reports suggest the government could announce new initiatives in education, health care and urban transport, along with efforts to address power shortages in rural areas.
