LAHORE – The Punjab government is all set to present a budget worth Rs5,131 billion for the upcoming fiscal year 2026-27 today, with major allocations proposed for development projects, social sectors, and welfare programmes.
The budget will be presented by Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rahman after it is approved by the provincial cabinet.
Reports said the budget includes both development and non-development expenditures, with a strong focus on education, health, and public welfare initiatives.
The overall development spending is expected to remain around 47 percent following financial adjustments made in favour of the federal government. Punjab has already provided a financial relief of Rs570 billion to the federal government.
Under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, the province is expected to receive Rs3,793.70 billion from divisible federal revenues, while provincial revenue collection is estimated at Rs1,330 billion.
The budget proposes Rs650 billion for salaries and Rs505.80 billion for pensions.
An allocation of Rs800 billion has been suggested for the Punjab Finance Commission.
Social protection programmes are expected to receive Rs25 billion, while Rs150 billion may be allocated for the “Suthra Punjab” initiative.
Operational expenses are projected at Rs580.20 billion, with Rs221.90 billion earmarked for other programme investments.
External assistance-based projects are expected to receive Rs54 billion, while other development and capital expenditures may stand at Rs570 billion.
In the social sectors, health spending is estimated at Rs680 billion, including Rs100 billion for free medicines and additional funding for patients suffering from cancer and paralysis-related conditions. Education is expected to receive more than Rs900 billion, with proposed programmes including laptops, electric scooters, bicycles, and scholarships worth over Rs20 billion.
Other proposed allocations include over Rs200 billion for ongoing chief minister-led projects, Rs35 billion for Ramadan relief packages, and more than Rs80 billion in subsidies. Funds have also been suggested for farmers, labor support programmes, university grants, and minority welfare schemes.
Officials said salary increases for government employees will follow federal government decisions, while priority will be given to completing ongoing development projects.
