Lahore: The Punjab Government unveiled a budget worth over Rs. 5,903 billion for the next financial year in the Assembly, aiming to prioritize public welfare. The budget includes proposed increases in salaries and pensions for government employees and allocates significant funds to local government institutions.

According to Radio Pakistan, the budget was presented by Provincial Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, who outlined the proposed current expenditures at Rs. 1,962 billion and 930 million. A seven percent salary increase for Punjab government employees and a 3.5 percent pension increase for retirees were proposed. Additionally, Rs. 803 billion and 880 million have been allocated to local government institutions under the PFC Award.

The budget estimates service delivery expenditures at Rs. 783 billion and 620 million, with current capital expenditures standing at Rs. 679 billion and 10 million. Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif approved the budget after receiving formal cabinet approval. She emphasized the government’s commitment to providing relief and reducing the financial burden on citizens, with a focus on welfare, development, and prosperity, while ensuring no new taxes were imposed.