Punjab cabinet approves ‘people-friendly’ budget for FY2026-27

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday approved the provincial budget for fiscal year 2026-27 after the 35th meeting of the provincial cabinet formally cleared the budget document.

Addressing the cabinet meeting, the chief minister said the government had tried to provide the maximum possible relief to the public and reduce the financial burden on citizens despite economic difficulties and prevailing global conditions. She said the province had to allocate a substantial share to the federation, but added that the government remained committed to protecting public interests.

Maryam Nawaz said the FY2026-27 budget had been prepared without imposing any new taxes and was centred on public welfare, development and prosperity. She described it as a budget of hope intended to bring relief to citizens through the province’s own resources.

The chief minister also directed the Punjab Revenue Authority to take effective steps to improve revenue collection and further strengthen the province’s financial capacity. She expressed confidence in the government’s performance and said she hoped the budget would meet public expectations, as in previous years.

She praised the joint efforts of cabinet members and officials involved in drafting the budget, saying the entire team had worked in coordination to prepare what she termed a people-friendly financial plan. She also prayed for the ability to continue serving the people of Punjab with sincerity and dedication.

Maryam Nawaz specifically acknowledged the role of Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Provincial Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Finance Secretary Mujahid Sherdil and the wider team that worked on the budget proposals.