The Punjab government has entered the final stage of preparations for the budget for the financial year 2026–27, with several development schemes being prioritised in the upcoming budget.
In addition to urban areas, full attention is also being given to rural areas. In this regard, special focus is being placed on development, infrastructure, Digital Punjab, and public welfare initiatives.
The total budget of Punjab is expected to be close to Rs 6 trillion, with significant emphasis being placed on development programs.
Sources stated that the Punjab government has initially set a development budget of approximately Rs 1,450 billion, which could be increased to Rs 1,500 billion if additional financial resources become available.
Under proposals from the Planning and Development Board, Rs 980 billion is expected to be directed toward core development programmes, Rs 320 billion for other development initiatives, and Rs 150 billion for projects supported by foreign assistance.
The budget also proposes increasing the salaries and pensions of government employees in line with the federal government.
According to sources, the Punjab government is expected to receive more than Rs 4.5 trillion under the NFC Award.
The budget is likely to be presented in the Punjab Assembly in the second week of June. Provincial Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman will present the budget, while Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is expected to attend all sessions of the budget meeting.
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