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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.'
Business Recorder
17-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab approves nine road projects worth Rs13.675bn
LAHORE: In a significant step toward enhancing Punjab's road infrastructure, the Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) approved nine major development schemes on Friday with a combined estimated cost of Rs13.675 billion. The decision came during the 81st meeting of the fiscal year 2024–25, chaired by Chairman of the Planning & Development (P&D) Board, Barrister Nabeel Ahmad Awan. Senior government officials, including Secretary P&D Dr Asif Tufail and Chief Economist Masood Anwar were also in attendance, reflecting the importance of the session. The projects, all focused on the roads sector, span multiple districts and are aimed at improving connectivity, easing traffic flow, and boosting regional development. Among the key initiatives is the dualization of the Lahore-Jaranwala Road from Mandi Faizabad to Mangranwala which carries an estimated cost of over Rs1.163 billion. Another major scheme involves the rehabilitation and improvement of the Sahiwal-Arifwala to Harappa Bypass route via Malan Shah Chowk, allocated more than Rs 1.094 billion. Similarly, the Farooqabad–Safdarabad stretch of the Sheikhupura-Sargodha Road will undergo extensive upgrades at a projected cost of Rs1.511 billion. Further west, work will begin on the Safdarabad-Manawala Road, with over Rs1.178 billion earmarked for its rehabilitation. In Chiniot, authorities approved the restoration of the road from the district boundary to Tahli Adda via Sial More, with a cost projection exceeding Rs1.941 billion. Infrastructure improvements are also set for Sargodha, where the Sahiwal-Shahpur Road will be widened and enhanced at a cost of Rs1.882 billion. In Nankana Sahib, the Sangla Hill–Safdarabad Road will be rehabilitated at a cost of over Rs1.22 billion. Additionally, the road from Tandlianwala (at Jallah Chowk) to Kamalia, passing through Zaffar Chowk and Mamukanjan, is set for rehabilitation with an estimated allocation of Rs1.818 billion. Meanwhile, the dualization of the Taxila–HMC Farooqia Road in Rawalpindi District has also been approved, with a cost of Rs1.864 billion. These projects underscore the Punjab government's commitment to modernizing infrastructure and improving intercity connectivity. With construction expected to commence in the coming months, residents across these regions can look forward to safer, faster, and more efficient travel. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
