Punjab budget enters final stages with no new taxes planned
Shahzad Paracha:
Islamabad: Punjab’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year is in its final stages of preparation, with provincial authorities expected to unveil a spending plan of around Rs6 trillion without introducing any new taxes, sources in the Finance Ministry said on Sunday.
It is learnt that proposals are under consideration to broaden the tax net and revise services rates. The budget is expected to focus on education, health, roads, sanitation, agriculture, law and order, and the provision of affordable food.
According to sources, the Punjab budget is likely to be presented in the Provincial Assembly by the second week of June.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is expected to attend all sessions of the budget proceedings, sources said. The province is expected to receive more than Rs450 billion under the National Finance Commission Award.
For the financial year 2025–26, the budget size stood at Rs5,335 billion. Sources said that development spending of Rs1,500 billion is being proposed for the coming year.
Salary and pension increases for government employees are expected to be in line with federal government adjustments. All provincial departments have submitted their budget proposals to the Finance Ministry.
