By Asim Shahzad
LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly on Wednesday approved the Rs 5,300 billion provincial budget for the fiscal year 2025–26, along with the Finance Bill 2025, by a majority vote. The House passed all financial demands and allocations as proposed by the government while rejecting all cut motions presented by the opposition related to eight departments.
During the budget session, the Assembly approved 41 demands for grants, including over Rs 4,329 billion in financial demands for various departments. A major allocation of Rs 200 billion was approved for police services, while the education sector received Rs 137 billion and the health sector was granted Rs 258 billion. A significant allocation of Rs 462 billion was earmarked for pension payments.
For development initiatives, the House sanctioned Rs 910 billion for road infrastructure projects, along with Rs 120 billion for the construction of bridges, Rs 161 billion for government buildings, and Rs 26.5 billion for agriculture development. The veterinary sector received Rs 19 billion, while Rs 1.6 billion were allocated for the fisheries department.
The Assembly also approved budgetary provisions for police services, jails, museums, and the justice system, reaffirming the government’s commitment to law and order and civic institutions.
Furthermore, grants were passed for registration, stamps, motor vehicle taxation, and excise operations, along with funding for subsidies, investments, civil defense, and local government loans.
With this budget, the Punjab government has reinforced its priorities in security, education, health, infrastructure, and public service delivery, signaling a broad developmental agenda for the upcoming fiscal year.
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