Punjab has announced its biggest-ever budget of Rs. 5.3 trillion for the year 2025–26, with a strong focus on development and public welfare. Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman presented the budget in the Punjab Assembly, despite noisy protests from the opposition.
The budget includes a 10% salary increase for government employees and a 5% rise in pensions. The development budget has been raised by 47.2%, reaching Rs1,240 billion showing the government’s intent to invest in key areas like education, health, and agriculture.
The finance minister said the budget aims to support the common people and boost the province’s growth. Education and healthcare got significant attention, with funds set aside to improve schools, hospitals, and agricultural support programs for farmers.
The government expects a surplus of Rs740 billion this year and says it will continue to follow strict financial management. They also focused on increasing tax revenues and strengthening the role of local governments to improve service delivery at the grassroots level.
While the ruling party called it a people-friendly and development-driven budget, opposition members criticized it, saying it does not do enough to solve everyday problems faced by the public.
Still, the government remains confident that this budget will help uplift the province and improve the quality of life for millions of people.
This budget shows Punjab’s commitment to progress through better public services, smart spending, and a focus on long-term development. Time will tell how effectively these plans are implemented and how much impact they will have on the lives of ordinary citizens.
