Lahore: Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman announced key advancements in public financial management during the seventh meeting of the Steering Committee for Public Financial Management Reforms. The focus of the reforms under the Punjab Resource Improvement and Digital Effectiveness Program (PRIDE) has been on improving service delivery through digitization, which has significantly boosted budget utilization and tax collections.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the meeting, held in the Finance Department’s committee room, highlighted the ongoing efforts and future initiatives such as pension reforms and e-procurement to further enhance financial management within the province. The Finance Minister emphasized the importance of self-assessment by tax departments and the strategic hiring of consultants based on technical expertise and experience.

Further discussions during the meeting covered the complete digitization of all tax collection departments under PRIDE, with the introduction of online applications to enhance public service delivery and facilitate access to government services. Key attendees included Secretary Finance Mujahid Sherdil, Additional Secretary Finance, head of the Public Finance Management Unit Ms. Samia Mukhtar, members of the Punjab IT Board, and officers from various line departments.