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Business Recorder
an hour ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab's budget and Maryam Nawaz's priorities
For a long time, budgets were seen as mere formality — voluminous documents weighing 15 to 20 kilograms, often relegated to scrap piles. However, Maryam Nawaz has shattered this perception. For the first time in Punjab's history, the budget reflects not only numbers but real, tangible priorities for the public good. In the fiscal year 2025–26, the Punjab government under Maryam Nawaz has made historic increases in allocations across key sectors. Education has received a 127 percent increase in funding, health 41 percent, agriculture 25 percent, local government 130 percent, law and order 131 percent, and transport an astonishing 359 percent. Moreover, the development budget has reached a historic level with an allocation of Rs 1,240 billion. What sets this apart is not just the allocation on paper but real action on the ground. Over 700 kilometres of roads are currently under construction across the province. Beyond Lahore's development plan, projects in other districts have also been approved. In just her first year in office, Maryam Nawaz's government initiated nearly 100 public welfare projects — all funded through provincial resources, without relying on federal contributions. In healthcare, her government has introduced free medicines in public hospitals for the first time in Punjab. An impressive Rs 80 billion has been allocated solely for this purpose. Additionally, a Universal Health Insurance Programme is being launched with a budget of Rs 25 billion to ensure affordable and quality medical care for all citizens. The flagship project in health remains the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital in Lahore, which is rapidly progressing and expected to complete its first phase by 2025. Work is also under way on the Nawaz Sharif Cardiology Hospital in Sargodha, due to be completed by September this year. In the realm of youth engagement and sports, the budget includes new schemes worth Rs 7.6 billion to build modern sports complexes in various cities. This is part of a broader strategy to provide healthy outlets and keep young people away from divisive and confrontational politics. The 'Easy Business Programme' has disbursed Rs 70 billion in interest-free loans to youth and entrepreneurs, leading to the establishment of over 5,000 new businesses. Education remains a top priority. The development budget for education has more than doubled — seeing over a 200 percent increase. Not only has this sector received funding, but major initiatives have been rolled out in schools and colleges, including infrastructure improvements and better resources. Public hospitals are undergoing a successful revamping initiative. Many now match or even surpass private hospitals in quality, offering free diagnostics and medication — services previously unheard of in public facilities. Unfortunately, opposition parties often reduce their role to theatrics — tearing up budget documents and causing disruptions in the assembly, acts that serve no benefit to the common citizen. Constructive criticism and viable suggestions are essential for a functioning democracy. Disagreements are natural in politics, but personal attacks cross into hostility. Despite being numerically strong, the opposition remains fragmented and divided, inadvertently benefiting the ruling party. The government's focus, meanwhile, is steadfast on Punjab's 140 million residents. Development projects are being executed across the province — from Lahore to Attock and Rawalpindi to Sadiqabad — without discrimination. Maryam Nawaz's first year in office has addressed many injustices from the past. There is a visible shift in public perception — people are beginning to express satisfaction with the government's direction. A key factor in her success is the guidance and political wisdom of Nawaz Sharif, a seasoned and visionary leader. His focus on public welfare has clearly influenced her governance model. Maryam Nawaz's strength lies in her ability to initiate people-centric projects that deliver real benefits. Today, Punjab leads other provinces in development and prosperity, primarily because public funds are being spent on the public itself. When citizens experience relief, they naturally see their leaders as their true well-wishers. She has also played a vital role in strengthening the PML-N in Punjab. The recent by-election victory in Sambrial stands as a testament to that. Attempts to spread division and hatred in the province have been decisively countered through effective political strategy. People are increasingly rejecting politics of violence and destruction, recognizing its detrimental impact. Maryam Nawaz and her team are working diligently to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Punjab. Her cabinet includes two dynamic female ministers — Marriyum Aurangzeb and Azma Bukhari — who have made significant contributions. Maryam Nawaz frequently acknowledges and praises their efforts. Azma Bukhari, in particular, has proven herself a formidable spokesperson, not only promoting government initiatives but also effectively countering the opposition. With a cabinet full of young, educated, and dedicated professionals, Maryam Nawaz's government is working with commitment. The results of these efforts are becoming increasingly visible across the province, as Punjab strides confidently on the path of development and progress. (The writer is the PRO of information minister Punjab) Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
14 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab's budget: A shift towards public welfare
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Punjab's budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 has taken a significant turn, prioritising the welfare of its citizens. Historically, budgets were seen as mere formalities, but this one stands out due to its tangible priorities and substantial allocations across crucial sectors. Increased Allocations: A Focus on Development The budget showcases a remarkable increase in funding for various sectors: Education: A 127% increase in funding, with the development budget more than doubling, highlights the government's commitment to improving educational infrastructure and resources. Health: With a 41% increase in allocation, the government aims to enhance healthcare services, including the introduction of free medicines in public hospitals and the launch of a Universal Health Insurance Program. Local Government: A 130% increase in funding empowers local governments to address specific needs and improve public services. Transport: A staggering 359% increase in allocation underscores the government's focus on infrastructure development, with over 700 km of roads under construction. Action on the Ground: Visible Progress The budget is not just about numbers; it's about real action on the ground. The government has initiated nearly 100 public welfare projects, all funded through provincial resources. Some notable projects include: Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital: Rapidly progressing in Lahore, this flagship project aims to provide quality cancer treatment to citizens. Universal Health Insurance Program: With a budget of Rs. 25 billion, this program ensures affordable and quality medical care for all citizens. Sports Complexes: New schemes worth Rs. 7.6 billion aim to build modern sports complexes, providing healthy outlets for youth and promoting sports development. Youth Engagement and Economic Growth The government has also prioritised youth engagement and economic growth: Easy Business Program: Disbursing Rs. 70 billion in interest-free loans, this program has led to the establishment of over 5,000 new businesses, promoting entrepreneurship and job creation. Small and Medium Enterprises: The government aims to promote SMEs, agriculture, and uplift underdeveloped regions, especially South Punjab. Challenges and Opportunities While the opposition's role is crucial in a democracy, constructive criticism and viable suggestions are essential. The government's focus remains steadfast on Punjab's residents, with development projects being executed across the province without discrimination. A New Era of Development Maryam Nawaz's leadership has brought about a visible shift in public perception, with people expressing satisfaction with the government's direction. Her ability to initiate people-centric projects has delivered real benefits to citizens, making Punjab a leader in development and prosperity. Conclusion Punjab's budget for 2025-26 marks a significant shift towards public welfare, with increased allocations and tangible priorities. The government's focus on development, youth engagement, and economic growth has brought about visible progress, setting a new era of development and prosperity for the province.
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab CM hails ‘tax-free' budget
LAHORE: 'Neither new taxes imposed nor their rates increased, 'said Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif while expressing gratitude to Allah Almighty for presenting a tax-free budget with the biggest development program in the history of the province. The CM added, 'We will eliminate a gap between development and facilities in cities and villages. Fruits of development will now reach every village. 1800 villages in Punjab will be made model villages.' The Chief Minister said, 'Besides Lahore Development Program, Punjab Development Project is also being brought in. Development will no longer see a difference between rich and poor. It will be rather equal for all.' She underscored, 'We have come with a spirit of serving the common man, and may Allah Almighty grant us success. We are sincerely trying to fulfil the mission of welfare of the people of Punjab. We will fulfil promises made to the farmers. More than 129 billion are being allocated for the purpose.' She noted, 'Not thousands but millions of farmers will benefit from the Green Tractor Scheme. Rs 15.5 billion are being given for more tractors. The construction and expansion of more than 12,000 kilometres of roads will be a record.' She added, 'Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital and Sargodha's Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology will be completed this year. Nawaz Sharif Medical District will be the first center in Pakistan where all deadly diseases will be treated, and research will also be conducted.' The Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said, 'Students will be given meritorious scholarships and laptops. Children will not sit on floor in any school in Punjab. Rs 40 billion are being given to provide them all missing facilities. Layyah and Bhakkar along with other remote districts will be given access to the motorway, besides extending better communication links to Muzaffargarh and Mianwali.' She vowed, 'We will not let the children of labourers sleep hungry, and will give Rs 40 billion for their ration cards.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
