Punjab to unveil Rs5.3 trillion tax-free budget today

Punjab's tax-free budget for the fiscal year 2026-27, estimated at over Rs5.3 trillion, will be presented today in the Punjab Assembly. Provincial Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman will deliver the budget speech, tabling key financial documents and the annual financial statement for the upcoming fiscal year, alongside the supplementary budget for 2025-26.

The budget proposes significant allocations, including over Rs700 billion for development projects and Rs800 billion for the Punjab Finance Commission. Additionally, Rs650 billion is earmarked for salaries and Rs505 billion for pension payments. The government also plans to establish the Kulsoom Nawaz Cancer Hospital in Dera Ghazi Khan and the Mian Nawaz Sharif University of Engineering and Technology. Other initiatives include the Chief Minister’s Laptop Programme, Kisan Card, Livestock Card, and Parwaaz Card International Placement Programme.

Meanwhile, the Balochistan governor has convened the provincial assembly’s budget session for Wednesday. Comprehensive security measures have been finalized for the Punjab Assembly budget session, anticipating potential protests from the opposition. The Balochistan Assembly Secretariat has also announced strict security protocols, prohibiting armed security personnel from entering the assembly during proceedings.