Punjab’s Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman presented the provincial budget for the fiscal year 2025–26, with a total volume of Rs5,335 billion. The budget session took place in the Punjab Assembly on Monday, while Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and her cabinet joined virtually from Iran due to official commitments. Meanwhile, opposition members gathered before the speaker’s dais and raised slogans in protest.
The budget offers a 10% salary increase for government employees and a 5% pension increase for retired personnel. This move is aimed at providing relief against rising inflation. Despite fiscal pressures, the government maintained its promise of no new taxes for the second consecutive year, highlighting its focus on public welfare.
Key sectors have received generous allocations. Education was allotted Rs811.8 billion, while health received Rs630.5 billion. Local government services will get Rs411 billion, and Rs129.5 billion is reserved for agriculture. A total of Rs1,240 billion has been allocated for development projects to improve infrastructure, services, and economic opportunities across the province.
Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said the government will not raise any tax rates and has also provided a roadmap to widen the tax net. She emphasized that transparency will be ensured by presenting a detailed report on every rupee spent over the past year. She also confirmed the focus is on sustainable economic growth and public development.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed pride in presenting a tax-free budget. She said the financial plan reflects economic responsibility and social care. The government promises efficient spending, better public services, and inclusive growth for the people of Punjab in the upcoming year.