Lahore (Lord Media): The Punjab government has unveiled a 5.9 trillion rupees budget for the fiscal year 2026-27, proposing a 7% increase in salaries for government employees and a 3.5% hike in pensions. A recommendation has been made to allocate 752 billion rupees for the province’s development program.
Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman described the budget as people-friendly, developmental, and welfare-oriented. However, the opposition rejected the budget and staged a strong protest in the assembly. The session started an hour and forty minutes late, with the opposition continuing its protest during the budget speech.
The finance minister stated that despite challenging economic conditions, the government has not compromised on public development projects. He noted that under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s leadership, record welfare projects have been initiated in the province.
Significant funds have been allocated for the health and education sectors, as well as for major transportation and infrastructure projects. Various programs for social welfare and environmental protection have also been funded in the budget.
The agriculture sector has been given special importance in the budget. Various revenue targets have been set concerning income and taxation. The finance minister termed the budget balanced for economic stability and public welfare.
The opposition labeled the budget as anti-people, rejecting it and recording their protest in the house.
