Latest news with #MianMujtabaShuja-ur-Rehman
Business Recorder
26-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Minister vows rights-based laws with global best practices
LAHORE: Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman has said that all new legislation must be developed in line with international best practices, uphold human rights principles, and ensure the presence of effective and reliable implementation mechanisms. He expressed these views while chairing a meeting of the Punjab Cabinet Committee on Legislation, Business and Privatisation on Friday. The committee reviewed key proposals submitted by various provincial departments concerning legislative reforms and policy amendments aimed at enhancing public welfare. Prominent among the agenda items were the draft Punjab Child Labour (Prohibition) Rules 2024 and the draft Punjab Occupational Safety and Health Rules 2024. The meeting also discussed and welcomed the proposed twinning agreement between Faisalabad and the city of Shymkent in Kazakhstan, terming it a positive step towards strengthening bilateral cooperation and promoting Punjab's global outreach. Additionally, the committee approved the policy framework for the issuance of NOCs for establishing new petrol pumps across the province, aimed at streamlining procedures and ensuring regulatory compliance. Addressing the participants, the minister reiterated that Cabinet committees play a pivotal role in ensuring transparency and effectiveness in legislation and policy formulation. He directed all relevant departments to finalise the proposed measures with a strong focus on public interest and submit them to the full Cabinet for formal approval at the earliest. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
26-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab finance minister explains budgetary allocations
LAHORE: Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman dismissed all objections raised by the opposition, declaring the 2025-26 budget as a welfare-oriented budget for the people. The Punjab Assembly approved five demands worth over Rs. 636.65 billion, including allocations for the police, health, and education departments, while rejecting the opposition's cut motions with a majority vote. The assembly session, delayed by 3 hours and 33 minutes, began under the chairmanship of Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan. The opposition started chanting slogans upon entering the house. Wrapping up the five-day budget debate, Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman stated that the government had presented a balanced and exemplary budget, fully aligned with public aspirations. A total of 100 treasury members and 62 opposition lawmakers participated in the discussion. The minister highlighted that the Punjab budget was not based on political expediency but on public welfare. He assured that this was a highly progressive budget, with Rs. 1,240 billion allocated for development while Rs 840 billion was allocated in the previous year. Non-development expenditures were significantly reduced, and circular debt was brought down to Rs. 58 billion. The food account was reduced from Rs. 468 billion to Rs. 68 billion for the first time. The government completed 6,104 development schemes and allocated a historic budget for education, including Rs. 37 billion for the CM Laptop Scheme. Health remained a top priority, with the Nawaz Sharif Medical District project launched with Rs. 109 billion, alongside the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital and Nawaz Sharif Cardiology Hospital in Sargodha. Agriculture was declared the cornerstone of Punjab's economy, with Rs. 129.8 billion allocated for farmer-friendly initiatives, including interest-free loans, solar panels, and tractor schemes. Over one million farmers benefited from these programs. Additionally, Rs. 335.5 billion was allocated for infrastructure, Rs. 16.8 billion for trade and industry, and Rs. 25 billion for skills development. The minister rejected opposition claims of neglecting rural areas. Government has allocated Rs 10 billion for 'Ideal Village Program.' In transport, 27 eco-friendly buses were operational in Lahore, with 1,200 more to be procured. The budget also emphasized environmental sustainability, with afforestation campaigns and Rs. 10 billion allocated for shrimp and fish farming. Social welfare programs like the 'Himmat Card,' 'Dehi Rani,' 'Munarri Card,' and 'Maryam Nawaz Social Security Ration Card' were introduced for women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. The Punjab Police received Rs. 300 billion to enhance public security. The finance minister urged the opposition to engage in constructive criticism rather than obstruction, emphasising that the budget was a step toward economic self-reliance and equitable resource distribution. He thanked all lawmakers who participated in the debate and expressed confidence that under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's leadership, Punjab would achieve unprecedented progress and prosperity. The Punjab Assembly rejected the opposition's motion demanding cuts in the police budget by a majority vote, while approving a grant of over 200 billion rupees for the police. Speaking on the opposition's cut motion, Finance Minister Mujtaba criticised previous governments, alleging that: 'Buzdar came and opened a shop in the Chief Minister's House where appointments and transfers were made in exchange for money. If we talk about corruption, PTI has broken all records— no one can compete with them.' Earlier, opposition leaders Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar, Junaid Afzal Sahi, Sheikh Imtiaz, and others spoke on the cut motion regarding the police department, stating that a December 2023 report showed an increase in crime rates in Punjab. Meanwhile, the cut motion presented by the opposition regarding the agriculture department was rejected by a majority vote. However, the demand for an agriculture budget of 26 billion 52 crore rupees was approved. Responding to the opposition's cut motion on agriculture, Agriculture Minister Ashiq Kirmani said, 'If only they had read the budget, they would have known what the government is doing for agriculture. The days when the agriculture and livestock departments were ignored with minimal budgets are over. For the first time in Punjab's history, zoning has been implemented for early cotton cultivation. The Fertilizer Act has been introduced for the first time, and dealers and sub-dealers will be registered in Punjab.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab Budget to boost business, digital finance: Minister
LAHORE: Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman has said the upcoming provincial budget will feature enhanced allocations for business development, trade facilitation and digital financial infrastructure, reinforcing the government's commitment to economic transformation. He expressed these views while addressing the Second TiGap Business Excellence Awards 2025, celebrating the outstanding contributions of Pakistan's business leaders and institutions to the national economy. The Trader Ittehad Group (All Pakistan) and Events Business jointly organised the event. The Minister observed that Punjab's business community is no longer surviving; it is preparing to lead. 'The Punjab government was laying the foundation of an economy where innovation, integrity and hard work were the true engines of progress,' he lauded the entrepreneurial spirit, resilience and innovation of the country's business community. 'Our business sector is the backbone of the economy, and it continues to drive national development with determination and vision,' he added. Highlighting the Punjab government's pro-business initiatives, he said that a transparent, consultative and innovation-driven business environment is being actively cultivated across the province. 'The current leadership in Punjab has moved beyond traditional governance. Today, we are empowering youth, expanding economic opportunities, and embracing the digital age,' he added. He cited initiatives such as 'Startup Punjab', interest-free loans for women, modern industrial zones and smart tax reforms as key pillars of the government's economic agenda. Applauding the performance of the PML-N government in Punjab over the past 15 months, he said the province was now offering interest-free loans to promote small and medium enterprises (SMEs). 'Punjab is the only province extending such large-scale financial support, with a focus on real, inclusive growth,' he noted. 'These are not mere announcements, they represent a system where business voices are heard and integrated into policy.' Speaking on the recent tensions between Pakistan and India, the Minister praised the valour and strategic acumen of the Pakistan Armed Forces. 'The entire nation salutes our brave defenders who foiled the enemy's designs with exemplary courage. Their success is a source of pride for every Pakistani,' he added. He also acknowledged the national unity demonstrated during this critical time as Pakistan's greatest strength. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
01-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Minister highlights reforms, inclusivity in pre-budget workshop
LAHORE: Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman said on Wednesday that the Punjab government is committed to prioritizing province's development needs to through a balanced approach revenue generation and public expenditure. He was addressing a pre-budget consultative workshop for the fiscal year 2025–26 at a local hotel. The workshop was organized by the finance department Punjab in collaboration with the FCDO-funded Sub-National Governance (SNG) Programme. The workshop aimed to foster an inclusive, transparent, and participatory budget-making process. A wide array of stakeholders including government officials, development partners, civil society, and academia participated in the event. The finance minister emphasized key reforms that have contributed to improving fiscal governance. He highlighted that digital transformation within the Punjab Revenue Authority and the shift from annual rental value to capital value for urban property assessments have significantly enhanced revenue generation while reducing financial irregularities. Similarly, pension reforms have helped manage future financial liabilities more efficiently, while rationalizing agricultural subsidies has eliminated billions in circular debt — a significant achievement for the provincial government. He further stated that public engagement in budget formulation is an established practice in Punjab. The government has consistently incorporated feedback from past consultations into budget decisions. 'No segment of society has ever been, nor will ever be, deprived of its fundamental needs under our governance,' he assured. 'The Budget 2025–26 will truly reflect the aspirations and priorities of our people.' The minister added, 'This workshop is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that the budget-making process is transparent, inclusive, and reflective of the voices of all citizens — especially those traditionally left unheard. The active involvement of civil society, academia, and development partners guarantees that public priorities remain central to our fiscal planning.' Key thematic areas discussed during the workshop included education, health, social protection, agriculture, industry, justice, and local governance. Sector-specific breakout sessions focused on identifying budget priorities, with special attention to the needs of women, girls, persons with disabilities, non-Muslim minorities, and the transgender community. Speaking at the event, Matt Clancy, Senior Governance Advisor at the FCDO, British High Commission Pakistan, stated, 'Public participation in the budgeting process is critical to building trust in government. We are proud to support the Government of Punjab through the SNG Programme to make public finance more inclusive, transparent, and responsive to the real needs of citizens.' Distinguished attendees included Khawar Mumtaz, former Chairperson, National Commission on the Status of Women; Umer Abbas Mela, Additional Finance Secretary (Budget); senior officials from key departments and representatives from the World Bank, UNDP, FCDO, UNICEF, GIZ, LUMS, and Punjab University. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
