Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman on Monday presented the Rs5,335 billion tax-free budget for the fiscal year 2025-26.
The finance minister said the upcoming budget would reflect the developmental vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
Shujaur Rehman has announced a series of major developmental achievements and public welfare initiatives across the province, highlighting key projects completed under the current government.
Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman has announced a historic development budget of Rs1,240 billion for the fiscal year 2025–26, calling it the largest in the province’s history.
The total budget outlay stands at Rs5,335 billion, with a firm focus on public welfare and economic growth.
Highlighting key achievements, he stated that over the past year, Pakistan’s GDP growth rate has improved, inflation has dropped to its lowest level in decades, and the interest rate has declined significantly from 22% to 11%.
Furthermore, the current account deficit has turned into a surplus, while foreign exchange reserves have climbed to $16.6 billion.
Shujaur Rehman emphasised that the government has ensured reduction in debt and is committed to financial discipline while pursuing ambitious development goals for the province.
According to finance minister, the free medicines worth Rs11.1 billion were provided to 20 million patients treated in government hospitals. Additionally, insulin was ensured for over 1,600 childbirth cases, ensuring maternal health care.
The minister said that the burn unit project in Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan, costing Rs4 billion, has been included in the new budget, and the burn unit at Nishtar Hospital Multan has witnessed a decline in patient load.
Meanwhile, Rs7 billion has been allocated for a new teaching hospital in Sialkot, and Rs8.6 billion has been earmarked for the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology in Sargodha.
For overall healthcare development, Rs450 billion has been allocated in development funds, with a record Rs181 billion specifically reserved for the health sector, making it a key focus in the current budget.
