Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman presented the provincial budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 during the Punjab Assembly session on Monday amid strong protest led by Opposition benches members.  In his address, he combined a strong nationalistic tone with a review of the government’s development initiatives and future goals. Out of this total, Rs 2,706.5 billion have been allocated for non-development expenditures, which include salaries, pensions, and service-related expenses. 

The minister noted that only a 6% increase has been made in overall expenditures compared to the previous fiscal year, reflecting the government’s efforts to maintain fiscal discipline. He said Punjab government is presenting a record-breaking development budget, with Rs 1,240 billion proposed for development projects across various sectors. Highlighting key education and welfare initiatives, he stated that over 50,000 students have been provided with laptops so far under the government's youth empowerment program.

Additionally, he shared that with an investment of Rs3.5 billion, more than 400,000 children in over 3,500 public schools are now being provided with milk to ensure better nutrition and health for students across the province. Punjab's Finance Minister announced that a total of Rs148 billion has been allocated under the development head for the education sector in the 2025–26 provincial budget. The government plans to launch new educational projects while continuing work on ongoing initiatives.

In a major boost for students, Rs 15 billion has been earmarked for scholarships for high-achieving students. The minister also highlighted the continuation of the Undergraduate Scholarship Programme worth Rs 5.9 billion, which supports deserving university students. To address infrastructure needs, Rs 40 billion has been allocated for the construction of additional classrooms in public schools across Punjab. Additionally, a Rs 35 billion Education Delivery Programme has been included in the budget to improve access and quality of education throughout the province.

Health initiatives Punjab Finance Minister announced that a major healthcare initiative is underway with the establishment of the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital in Lahore, at an estimated cost of Rs72 billion. state-of-the-art facility aims to provide specialized cancer treatment to patients from across the province. Punjab's Finance Minister announced that Basic Health Units (BHUs) across the province are being upgraded into Maryam Health Clinics, aiming to enhance primary healthcare access for citizens. 

Through a Rs4.4 billion Livestock Card initiative, livestock farmers have been provided with easy loans to support and expand their businesses. Punjab government has launched the 'Apna Ghar Apni Chhat' housing scheme with a total allocation of Rs 85.5 billion, aimed at providing affordable housing to low-income families. Work is actively progressing on the Murree Development Programme at a cost of Rs 17 billion, focusing on improving tourism and civic facilities in the region. 

The Safe City Project has been expanded to 19 districts with an investment of Rs 5.6 billion, to enhance law enforcement and surveillance capacity.IT Empowerment for Women Modern IT courses are being introduced for women across Punjab, equipping them with in-demand digital skills to strengthen their presence in the workforce.Green Public Transport Initiatives In a move toward environmental sustainability, eco-friendly buses worth Rs 46 billion are being procured for multiple districts.

Currently, 27 green buses are already operating on the roads of Lahore. Under the Easy Business and Easy Business Finance Scheme, loans amounting to Rs 19 billion have been disbursed to aspiring entrepreneurs. Moreover, Rs 6.1 billion has been allocated under the ‘Khelta Punjab Programme’, with various sports projects launched, including the establishment of High-Performance Cricket Centres in Sialkot and Faisalabad.

Business support schemes Punjab’s Finance Minister announced that Rs19 billion in loans have been provided under the Easy Business Scheme and Easy Business Finance Scheme, aimed at empowering youth and small business owners across the province. Under the Khelta Punjab Programme, which received an allocation of Rs 6.1 billion, several initiatives have been launched. High-Performance Cricket Centres have been established in Sialkot and Faisalabad to nurture athletic talent. 

The minister claimed the 2025–26 budget will set new records for development in Punjab and is focused on the welfare and prosperity of the people. He further stated that new cardiology centers are also being developed to strengthen cardiac care services. These include the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology in Sargodha and the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology, which will serve as key institutions for the diagnosis and treatment of heart-related diseases.

 The finance minister began his speech by paying tribute to the armed forces, stating, "I salute the Field Marshal for giving a befitting response to Indian aggression," and praised the Air Chief for successfully downing Indian jets. He strongly condemned Israel’s attack on Iran and denounced what he described as Israel’s "genocide of Palestinians in Gaza." On the domestic front, Shuja-ur-Rehman asserted that Punjab has entered a new phase of public service and technological advancement.

“In the past, the public would knock on government doors for help. Today, the Punjab government is delivering relief, including the Ramazan Package, directly to the people,” he said. Highlighting key welfare initiatives, he stated that farmers now hold Kisan Cards, youth are empowered with laptops, and schoolchildren are being provided modern education along with nutritious meals and milk. Punjab development projects .

He proudly announced that 6,104 development projects were completed in just one year, with solid foundations laid for progress in every sector of the province. “Roads are being constructed, industries are thriving, and the entire provincial system is now integrated with modern technology,” he said, adding that the government aims to elevate Punjab to the level of the world’s most advanced regions. 

Commenting on the political leadership during times of crisis, the finance minister said the Pakistan Army achieved historic success and acknowledged the leadership role of Maryam Nawaz during the recent conflict period in Punjab. He concluded by stating that in the past year, not a single scandal has emerged from any development project in Punjab, which, according to him, reflects transparent governance. 

Opposition Leader Opposition Leader in Punjab Assembly reacting to the new bill said after the passage of this bill, no one will be able to question where public money has gone," said the Opposition Leader. "When you have the support of the people, such bills are not introduced," he added. The leader said under this bill, complaints can only be registered with the Director General Public Relations (DGPR)." After that, the complaint goes to the Secretary, whose decision will be final." 

"No complaint can be taken to any court after the Secretary's decision. Tell me, what the need for this bill is after the PECA Act and the Defamation Bill?" the Opposition Leader questioned. Punjab Assembly passes 5 bills in first session amid time constraints Punjab Assembly convened its first session, during which five out of seven proposed bills were passed due to limited time. Key legislation approved includes the Centre of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism Punjab Bill, aimed at curbing radical ideologies and promoting peace-building initiatives in the province. 

Other bills passed by majority vote are: Punjab Consumer Protection (Amendment) Bill 2025 – to strengthen consumer rights and regulatory enforcement. Boilers and Pressure Vessels (Amendment) Bill 2025 – introducing enhanced safety standards for industrial equipment. Specialized Medical Institutions Punjab (Amendment) Bill 2025 – focusing on improving governance and performance of specialized healthcare facilities. Punjab Awareness and Information Provision Bill 2025 – to ensure timely access to public information and promote transparency.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)