Following the presentation of the Punjab budget for 2025-26, Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman emphasized that it’s a genuine commitment to public welfare and good governance, not just a manipulation of figures. Speaking at a post-budget press conference alongside Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, he stated that the budget, totaling Rs5.335 trillion, includes a significant Rs1.240 trillion for development projects. This aligns with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s directives for timely project completion, transparency, and maximum public benefit.
Minister Rehman highlighted that, like last year, this is a tax-free budget, with a 23% increase in development spending. He expressed confidence that the budget will set new benchmarks for progress in the province, crediting its preparation to CM Maryam Nawaz’s direct oversight. He reiterated that no new taxes have been imposed and that efforts are underway to broaden the tax base through modernizing the Excise and Taxation Department. He also mentioned that measures such as e-governance, e-auctions, and e-tendering are being implemented to enhance transparency and combat corruption.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb called it the largest development budget in Punjab’s history, pointing out the significant increase from Rs832 billion in the previous budget to Rs1.240 trillion. She further added that CM Maryam Nawaz has ensured public accountability for all major development projects, setting a new standard for governance.
Aurangzeb also highlighted key allocations in various sectors. For transport, she mentioned rapid progress on Automated Rapid Transport (ART) and e-bus projects in Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala. In education, Rs40 billion will be channeled through school management councils for additional classrooms and IT labs, with further allocations of Rs25 billion for higher education, Rs15 billion for the laptop scheme, Rs15 billion for scholarships, and Rs7 billion for the school meal program. The healthcare sector will receive Rs181 billion, including Rs14.5 billion for the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in Lahore and Rs8 billion for a new Children’s Hospital in Rawalpindi. Centers of excellence in nursing will be established in Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi, with Rs23 billion allocated.
For social protection, Rs40 billion has been designated for a ration card program, alongside initiatives like the Himmat Card, Minority Card, and Labour Card to provide immediate relief to vulnerable communities.
Aurangzeb also emphasized the Chief Minister’s commitment to environmental improvement, with Rs795 billion allocated for this purpose, including funds for air quality monitoring stations, climate observatories, and an environmental protection force.
In support of the film industry, a Rs7 billion fund has been established. Journalists will benefit from a Rs1 billion endowment fund and Rs400 million for a housing foundation. The PHEC will allocate Rs18 billion to universities this year, and Rs40 billion has been earmarked for advanced IT labs in schools.
The School Nutrition Programme will expand to eight districts, with a total investment of Rs148 billion in health and education. Rural Health Centres and Basic Health Units will be upgraded into Maryam Nawaz Health Clinics, and the first Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital is currently under construction in Lahore.
