RAWALPINDI: The Punjab Government Presents Budget 2025-26 in Assembly with Minimum Wage Increased to Rs. 40,000.
According to the details, Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman has presented the budget for 2025-26 in the assembly, announcing an increase in the minimum wage for workers to Rs. 40,000. Last year, the minimum wage was Rs. 37,000.
Presenting the budget, Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman announced a 10% salary increase for all provincial government employees from Grade 1 to 22 and proposed a 5% rise in pensions.
During the budget session, the opposition staged a strong protest, tearing up copies of the agenda and throwing them towards the speaker and the finance minister. They also surrounded the speaker’s dais in protest.
The finance minister emphasized that no new taxes were imposed in the budget. “We are ensuring proper use of Punjab’s resources and presenting a historic package focused on public service,” he said.
He noted that the budget prioritizes health, education, and agriculture. Due to economic discipline and good governance, no scandals have emerged, he claimed. He also highlighted progress in e-tendering and IT development.
— ALSO READ —
Rawalpindi finalises Rs470m project to beautify Raja Bazaar
Rehman said the 2025-26 budget continues last year’s tax-free policy and includes measures to tackle climate change. “IT and industrial cities are being developed, and this budget will set new records in Punjab’s development while providing relief to the public,” he added.
He also praised Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, stating she is working to eliminate poverty and unemployment in Punjab. “Development works are ongoing day and night, and students are being given laptops without any discrimination.”
The finance minister revealed a 47% increase in the development budget. For the first time, an emergency ambulance service will be introduced on motorways. Under the CM’s Children’s Heart Surgery Programme, over 4,300 surgeries have been conducted, and free dialysis has been provided to 20,000 patients.
He said Rs106 billion in interest-free loans were given to 1 million farmers under the Kisan Card scheme. A Rs1.1 billion Model Agri Malls scheme has also been launched. New medical colleges are being built in Narowal, Okara, and Layyah.
Rehman said a significant amount has been spent on free medicines, and a Food Nutrition Programme has started. A new Nawaz Sharif Cardiology Institute is being established in Sargodha.
— ALSO READ —
FBR to seal unregistered online businesses under budget 2025 proposals
He also expressed pride in Pakistan’s victory against India and appreciated the Pakistan Army’s role. He condemned Israel’s expansionist actions and the unjustified attack on Iran.
Under the CM Punjab Laptop Scheme, Rs27 billion worth of laptops will be distributed to university students. Additionally, Rs5 billion has been allocated to improve school facilities.
For the health sector, Rs181 billion has been set aside for development and Rs450 billion for non-development expenditures. Rs12 billion has been allocated for the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Institute Research Center, and Rs109 billion has been estimated for setting up the Nawaz Sharif Medical District. Rs9 billion will go to the Maryam Nawaz Health Clinic Programme.
CM Maryam Nawaz: Highest-Ever Budget for Education and Health in 77 Years
Speaking to journalists, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed her satisfaction over the tax-free budget, saying, “For the second consecutive year, Punjab has not imposed any new tax.”
She said the largest-ever allocation in Punjab’s 77-year history has been made for education and health to empower the youth and enable them to contribute to national development.
