Latest news with #PunjabFinanceDepartment
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Centre bypasses Punjab in DAO postings
The federal government has unilaterally appointed junior federal officers as Divisional Accounts Officers (DAOs) in all 43 districts of Punjab for the disbursement of public funds for the Public Works Department, bypassing constitutional and legal protocols and irking the Punjab Finance Department. These appointments have effectively stripped Punjab's District Accounts Officers (DAOs) of their constitutional authority over the disbursement of public funds, particularly for the Public Works Department. The move has sparked strong discontent within Punjab's Finance Department, which has raised the issue at a higher administrative level. In each district, two to three DAOs have been appointed, and they have already authorised payments exceeding Rs1 billion soon after assuming their roles. Members of the ruling PML-N have formally opposed this decision. MPA Ilyas Chinioti has submitted a motion of adjournment in the Punjab Assembly, arguing that the move violates the spirit of the 18th Constitutional Amendment, which grants provinces administrative autonomy. The motion demands that the federal government immediately withdraw its decision. The newly appointed federal officers are reportedly in grade 16 and 17, whereas Punjab's DAOs hold the more senior grade 18 posts. The reallocation of financial control to federal officers is seen as a direct infringement on provincial jurisdiction.
Business Recorder
24-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Over Rs800bn collected through e-Pay Punjab
LAHORE: The Punjab government has collected over Rs 800 billion in tax revenue through 'e-Pay Punjab', a flagship digital payment solution developed by the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) in collaboration with the Punjab Finance Department. This was highlighted during a progress review meeting presided over by PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf here on Friday. Launched in October 2019, e-Pay Punjab has facilitated over 86 million online transactions, revolutionising how citizens pay government dues and taxes. The platform allows hassle-free payments for 87 different taxes or levies from 18 government departments, eliminating the need for physical visits and curbing reliance on middlemen and agent mafias. The meeting was further told that since its launch, e-Pay Punjab has generated substantial revenue across key tax streams, including over Rs 564 billion in Sales Tax, over Rs 39 billion in Property Tax, over Rs 35 billion in Token Tax and over Rs 19 billion through traffic challans. Over 5.8 million users have downloaded the e-Pay Punjab mobile app. Speaking on the occasion, PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf said that e-Pay Punjab has not only empowered citizens with convenient, transparent payment options but also significantly strengthened the provincial treasury. 'We are continuously enhancing the platform by integrating more services to ensure safe, fast and user-friendly digital payments from the comfort of one's homes,' he added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
24-04-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Govt releases Rs22b to settle hospitals' dues
After nearly two decades of unpaid dues, the Punjab government has released Rs22 billion in the first phase to settle long-pending payments owed to medical supply contractors across public hospitals in the province, including four major hospitals in Rawalpindi. According to a notification issued by the Punjab Finance Department, a total of Rs491.783 million has been allocated to four hospitals in Rawalpindi as part of this payment. These hospitals had failed to clear contractors' dues for 19 years, resulting in disruptions in the supply of essential medicines. Contractors had stopped providing medicines to public hospitals due to non-payment, leading to shortages that severely impacted patient care. The situation escalated in Lahore, where patients at government hospitals were reportedly deprived of basic medicines. Following public outcry, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took notice and was informed that outstanding dues worth billions had not been cleared since 2005. In response, the chief minister directed the Punjab Finance Department to release the funds in phases. As part of the first tranche, Holy Family Hospital has received Rs62.993 million, Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital Rs91.43 million, Benazir Bhutto General Hospital Rs43.983 million, and Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology Rs293.377 million.
