Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman presented the province’s Rs5,335 billion budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, emphasizing Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s development-focused agenda. The budget, approved by CM Maryam ahead of the assembly session, aims to balance growth and public welfare while avoiding additional tax burdens on citizens.
A key highlight is the 47% surge in the Annual Development Programme (ADP), rising from Rs842 billion to Rs1,240 billion—the highest in Punjab’s history. Despite salary and pension increases, the government managed to limit operational expenses to just a 3% rise, ensuring efficient resource allocation.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb hailed the budget as a transformative step, breaking from “outdated traditions” under CM Maryam’s leadership. She emphasized its strategic focus on development, with Rs1,240 billion dedicated to progress-driven projects, backed by a total outlay of Rs5,335 billion.
Crucially, the budget imposes no new taxes or rate hikes, marking it as a zero-tax budget. Instead, the government plans to broaden the tax net to boost revenue sustainably. This approach aligns with Punjab’s commitment to economic stability and equitable growth for all residents.