The Punjab government has announced plans to establish a single institution to bring all provincial taxes under one authority, aiming to streamline tax collection and improve governance. The decision was shared during a post-budget press briefing in Lahore, where officials outlined key fiscal reforms for the 2026-27 financial year.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said the provincial budget was prepared in a challenging economic environment while maintaining fiscal discipline. She said the government focused on continuing development projects while controlling unnecessary expenditures and improving efficiency in public spending.
According to officials, over 12,700 development schemes were reviewed during the past two and a half years, with several non-essential projects discontinued. Resources were redirected toward priority sectors, and long-delayed schemes were closed to improve financial management and delivery outcomes.
Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman said the proposed institution would function on a model similar to the Federal Board of Revenue. Under the plan, citizens would deal with a single authority for all provincial taxes instead of multiple departments.
At present, different agencies such as the Punjab Revenue Authority and Excise and Taxation Department collect taxes separately. Officials said the consolidation is expected to improve efficiency, strengthen revenue collection, and simplify administrative processes across the province.
The finance minister added that Punjab had met most of its fiscal commitments from previous budgets and achieved significant progress in revenue collection. He said the province recorded strong performance despite economic pressures and natural challenges, including floods, while continuing development spending.