The Punjab government is set to present a budget of more than Rs5,131 billion for the financial year 2026-27 tomorrow, with major allocations proposed for salaries, pensions, health, education, social protection and ongoing development schemes.
Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman will present the proposed budget in the provincial assembly after its approval by the Punjab cabinet.
According to sources, the Punjab government will present a total budget of Rs5,131 billion for the next fiscal year. The province’s total expenditure is estimated at Rs3,569.6 billion, while Rs580.2 billion has been recommended for operational expenses.
The increase in salaries of government employees will be made in line with the federal government’s decision.
Salaries, pensions, labour wages
Sources said Rs650 billion has been proposed for salaries of government employees in the new budget. For pensions, Rs505.8 billion has been proposed, while another figure of Rs580 billion has also been mentioned in budget estimates.
The monthly wage of labourers is also expected to increase in the upcoming Punjab budget.
Major focus on health
The Punjab government has proposed Rs680 billion for the health sector. Out of this, Rs100 billion is expected to be allocated for free medicines.
Funds are also likely to be set aside for medicines and treatment support for cancer, heart and stroke patients.
Education gets over Rs900bn
More than Rs900 billion has been proposed for the education sector. The budget will include laptop, electric scooter and bicycle schemes for students.
More than Rs20 billion has been estimated for the Honhar Scholarship Scheme, while Rs18 billion has been proposed for university grants.
The government is also expected to continue major social security programmes in the next fiscal year. Funds will be allocated for the Kisan Card, Himmat Card, Minority Card and Parwaz Card.
Sources said Rs10 billion has been proposed for the Kisan Card, while Rs3 billion has been estimated for the Himmat Card and Minority Card. The Punjab government has also estimated Rs7 billion for the Parwaz Card.
Suthra Punjab and Ramazan package
A major allocation of Rs150 billion has been recommended for the Suthra Punjab programme. The government has also proposed Rs35 billion for the Ramazan Package.
More than Rs80 billion is expected to be allocated for subsidies, while Rs25 billion has been proposed for social security.
Development projects top priority
The completion of ongoing development projects of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif will remain a top priority in the development budget. More than Rs200 billion is likely to be allocated for ongoing initiatives of the Punjab chief minister.
Officials said Budget 2026-27 will be the third budget of the Punjab government under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and will reflect her people-friendly vision.
Information, Culture Dept proposals
The Information and Culture Department Punjab has proposed Rs2.3493 billion for the new budget. Funds have also been proposed for ongoing projects of the department.
The department has recommended Rs183.2 million for the construction of a convention centre in Lahore. It has also proposed Rs250 million for the AI Central Media Monitoring Project.
A further Rs183.2 million each has been proposed for the Technology Advancement Programme, provision of facilities in plaques, the special magazine Lahore Number, and the Film and Music School.
Rs450 million has been proposed for the upgradation of Alhamra Arts Council.
Minority affairs development
The Human Rights and Minority Affairs Department has also prepared development project proposals for the new fiscal year. The department has proposed a total allocation of Rs810 million.
Out of this, Rs750 million has been recommended for the repair and restoration of places of worship of minorities in Punjab. Another Rs60 million has been proposed for the improvement of crematoriums and cemeteries.
Projects for the repair and restoration of old churches and temples have also been included in the budget proposals.
Minority development programmes, tourism promotion projects and a plan to enhance the department’s capacity are also part of the recommendations.
Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman will brief assembly members about the budget proposals and their key features. According to officials, concrete steps will be taken to increase provincial resources and expand the tax net.
The Punjab government’s focus in the next financial year will also remain on business, industry and employment generation.
The government says education, health and social security will remain top priorities, while budget resources will be directly linked to public welfare.
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