{"id":95301,"date":"2025-06-16T22:07:09","date_gmt":"2025-06-16T22:07:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/punjab-unveils-rs5335bn-tax-free-budget-for-2025-26-the-express-tribune\/"},"modified":"2025-06-16T22:07:09","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T22:07:09","slug":"punjab-unveils-rs5335bn-tax-free-budget-for-2025-26-the-express-tribune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/punjab-unveils-rs5335bn-tax-free-budget-for-2025-26-the-express-tribune\/","title":{"rendered":"Punjab unveils Rs5,335bn tax-free budget for 2025-26 | The Express Tribune"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman on Monday presented a Rs5,335 billion budget for fiscal year 2025\u201326 in the provincial assembly, terming it a “people-friendly” plan aligned with the development vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.<\/p>\n

The provincial cabinet, led by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, approved the budget ahead of the session.<\/p>\n

CM Maryam addressed the 27th provincial cabinet meeting, announcing zero-tax budget for fiscal year 2025\u201326.<\/p>\n

Chief minister said the budget reflects \u201cevery rupee as a public trust\u201d and is guided by \u201caccountability before God.\u201d<\/p>\n

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In her address, Maryam Nawaz highlighted a 47% increase in the Annual Development Programme (ADP), taking it to Rs1,240 billion, while ensuring no new taxes were introduced. \u201cThis is a zero-tax budget and also the largest development budget in Punjab\u2019s history,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

She noted that despite record allocations, \u201cno financial scandal has emerged,\u201d crediting improved financial discipline, e-tendering processes, and a focus on transparency and good governance.<\/p>\n

\u201cInstead of raising taxes, we will focus on expanding the tax net,\u201d she said, while expressing dissatisfaction over the Punjab Revenue Authority\u2019s performance, adding that \u201cthere is room for improvement.\u201d<\/p>\n

CM Maryam Nawaz outlined several achievements and goals, including the launch of 100 innovative development projects, 94 new public programmes, and the construction or expansion of 12,000 kilometres of roads. \u201c700 roads are currently under construction,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

The chief minister reaffirmed her government\u2019s focus on health and education, promising provision of free medicines and infrastructure upgrades in public schools. She also announced that the minimum wage had been set at Rs40,000 and called for the digitalisation of wage systems.<\/p>\n

Maryam Nawaz credited her team\u2019s efforts, applauding the senior minister and the chief secretary\u2019s performance, noting that her father, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, also praised the cabinet\u2019s work.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe declared an emergency in Punjab and delivered. We met IMF conditions and still presented a Rs740 billion budget surplus,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

She also hinted at a possible performance-based bonus system for civil servants and said the province had achieved a 94% reduction in local borrowing.<\/p>\n

Calling the 2025\u201326 budget a \u201chistoric public service package,\u201d she concluded, \u201cThe work ethic in Punjab has transformed. Power is a trust from God; serving people is our mission.\u201d<\/p>\n

Senior Minister for Planning & Development Marriyum Aurangzeb and Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman gave detailed briefings during the session.<\/p>\n

In a post on social platform X, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said the Annual Development Programme (ADP) had been increased by 47%\u2014from Rs842 billion to Rs1,240 billion\u2014despite a \u201ccompressed\u201d overall fiscal space. Government operational expenses rose by just 3%, even with salary and pension hikes.<\/p>\n

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Punjab Budget Highlight
Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved Punjab Annual budget.
Despite a comparatively compressed budget, the ADP has increased by 47% from 842 bn to 1240 bn while government operational expenses rose only by 3%, even after salary & pension\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/dDmKSQIfwF<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) June 16, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n

Aurangzeb described the budget as a historic and strategic realignment of priorities, calling it a departure from outdated traditions under the chief minister\u2019s \u201cfearless and reformist leadership.\u201d<\/p>\n

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