Punjab to Present Budget 2025-26 on June 13 Without New Taxes

LAHORE: The Punjab government is preparing to announce its budget for the fiscal year 2025–26 on June 13, with sources confirming that there will be no new taxes introduced in this budget.

Development Budget Overview

The total development budget for the upcoming fiscal year is estimated at Rs. 1,200 billion. Of this amount, Rs. 1,076 billion will be sourced from local resources, while Rs. 124.3 billion is anticipated from international funding agencies.

Allocation Plans and Project Highlights

The budget will fund various development initiatives, including:

• Rs. 536 billion dedicated to 1,412 ongoing projects
• Rs. 457 billion for new schemes commencing in the next financial year
• Rs. 207 billion allocated to 32 special initiatives across multiple sectors

Key Sector Allocations

Noteworthy funding proposals in the budget include:

• Rs. 100 billion for the Chief Minister’s Local Roads Program to enhance infrastructure in both urban and rural areas
• Rs. 1 billion for transitioning Tehsil Headquarters Hospitals to solar power
• Rs. 750 million for equipping government higher secondary schools with solar energy
• Rs. 4.34 billion for improving operations of the Punjab Clean Water Authority
• Rs. 9 billion for launching the CM’s School Meal Program in eight districts
• Rs. 10 billion for the Chief Minister’s Tractor Scheme to promote mechanized agriculture
• Rs. 750 million for the renovation and expansion of the Agriculture House in Lahore

Focus Areas: Agriculture, Environment, and Business

The budget emphasizes agriculture, environmental sustainability, and business growth:

• A three-year initiative for mango production, receiving Rs. 750 million annually
• The Punjab Clean Air Program, with an annual allocation of Rs. 500 million, supported by the World Bank
• Rs. 5.5 billion for the second phase of the Punjab Green Tractor Project
• Rs. 500 million to create a Trade and Investment House to foster business in Punjab
• Rs. 89 billion allocated to the CM’s Easy Business Finance Scheme, with Rs. 8 billion for northern Punjab and Rs. 6 billion for southern Punjab

Advancements in Solar Power and Renewable Energy

To enhance energy efficiency and promote sustainability, the government plans to:

• Invest Rs. 3 billion in solar panel installations at government colleges
• Allocate Rs. 3.4 billion for converting District & Sessions Courts and High Court benches to solar energy

Enhancing Revenue and Business Support

The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) is exploring strategies to expand its tax base by including non-tax sectors, aiming to improve provincial revenue collection.

Additionally, Rs. 750 million is earmarked to enhance the Punjab Business Facilitation Centers, ensuring a smoother business environment across the province.

Conclusion

The Punjab government’s budget for 2025–26 illustrates a significant shift towards economic development, green energy, and agricultural progress, all while avoiding new tax burdens on citizens. With substantial investments in infrastructure, education, health, and business, the province seeks to bolster its developmental impact and promote long-term sustainability.