LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced the Punjab Budget 2026-27 with a total outlay of Rs5.9 trillion, focusing on public relief, infrastructure development, healthcare, education, agriculture, and digital transformation. Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman presented the budget in the Punjab Assembly, describing it as a roadmap for economic growth and improved public services.
The budget has been prepared under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s Economic Transformation Plan, which aims to promote sustainable development through investments in infrastructure, green energy, technology, agriculture, and social welfare. The government has emphasized that the budget avoids imposing additional tax burdens on citizens while focusing on structural reforms and efficient governance.
Punjab expects to generate Rs1.209 trillion through provincial revenues, while receipts from the National Finance Commission (NFC) award are estimated at more than Rs4.39 trillion. The province has also committed a surplus contribution of Rs546 billion to the federal government.
A major portion of the budget has been allocated to development projects through the Annual Development Programme (ADP), which has received Rs752 billion. The education sector secured the largest allocation of Rs750.1 billion, including funding for modern STEAM laboratories, school improvement initiatives, and public-private partnerships. The health sector received Rs500.6 billion to strengthen healthcare services and expand medical facilities.
Among the flagship projects, Rs20 billion has been allocated for the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in Lahore, while Rs169 billion has been earmarked for the Nawaz Sharif Medical District. The Chief Minister’s Laptop Program has been allocated Rs10 billion to equip students with modern technology.
The budget also includes significant support for the livestock sector, with funding for mobile veterinary dispensaries, dairy supply chain development, rural women empowerment, and livestock medicines and vaccines.
Government employees will receive a 7% salary increase, while pensions will rise by 3.5%. Infrastructure and road projects have been allocated Rs272.8 billion, while local government services will receive Rs409.8 billion.
To support youth employment and innovation, the government has allocated Rs7.1 billion for technology incubators and Rs3.5 billion for IT and language training programs. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the budget represents a shift toward sustainable prosperity, economic modernization, and improved living standards across Punjab.
