LAHORE: The Punjab government on Tuesday presented a Rs5.903 trillion budget for the fiscal year 2026-27, marking a 10.7 percent increase compared to the previous year, with a strong emphasis on public relief, development projects, healthcare, and education.
Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman presented the budget in the Punjab Assembly after receiving approval from the provincial cabinet. The budget is the third annual financial plan introduced under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s administration.
According to provincial authorities, the FY2026-27 budget has been designed to promote sustainable economic growth while providing targeted relief measures for citizens. Significant allocations have been proposed for health services, educational infrastructure, and public welfare initiatives across the province.
While presenting the budget, Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman said the Punjab government had adopted austerity measures in line with directives from the federal government to ensure fiscal discipline and efficient utilization of public resources.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired the 35th meeting of the provincial cabinet, where the budget for the upcoming fiscal year was formally approved.
Addressing cabinet members, the chief minister acknowledged the challenges posed by a reduced share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award but reaffirmed the government’s commitment to public welfare and economic development.
“Despite the reduction in Punjab’s NFC share, we are determined to provide maximum relief to the people. There will be no compromise on public welfare, development projects, and the journey toward prosperity,” Maryam Nawaz said.
The provincial government believes the new budget will support economic stability, strengthen public services, and accelerate development activities across Punjab during the next fiscal year.
