‘Success comes with sincere intentions and hard work,' says Punjab CM
LAHORE: 'Public funds are trust of the people, we are accountable to Allah Almighty,' said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif while addressing the 27th meeting of the provincial cabinet.
The CM added, 'Success comes with sincere intention and hard work, this year we will work even harder than the last year. We are not only giving a zero tax budget, but the largest development budget. The previous development budget was also a record; we will break all our own records. We not only gave a surplus budget of Rs 740 billion despite fulfilling IMF conditions, but also delivered by imposing emergency in the province.'
The Chief Minister said, '100 new innovative programmes and projects started in Punjab, 700 roads are being built, construction and expansion of 12,000 kms of roads is a big record. Full attention is focused on the people; there is no example of such a hefty budget in health and education in the history. Free medicines will be available everywhere. We will also meet our target of providing essential facilities in government schools during this year.'
The CM underscored, 'A record of cleanliness was set across the province on Eid. It is easy to increase taxes by increasing their rate, but instead we will focus on enhancing the tax net. If we build two or four big projects, it seems as if a big job has been done, but we have brought 100 new programmes. More than 40,000 houses could not even be made in 40 years but we have made them in just one year.'
Maryam Nawaz Sharif said, 'I have memorized figures related to each department in 2025-26 budget which will prove to be an unprecedented budget in the history of the country. We will review the provision of bonus to government employees based on their performance, while minimum wage of a labourer is fixed at 40,000/month.'
She emphasised, 'Wage system should be digitalized. The rate of local debt in Punjab has decreased by a record 94 percent. We are presenting a historic package of public service. Governance is improving due to financial discipline.'
She added, 'The entire progress will be presented in the provincial assembly, everyone will tell how much funds were spent where. No scandal surfaced due to e-tendering and good governance.'
She flagged, 'senior minister worked all night to finalise the budget, and I congratulate her for this. I also congratulate Chief Secretary and his entire team; Nawaz Sharif also praises them. Success achieved was given by Allah Almighty, the intention is good, and we will continue to work even harder.'
Senior Minister & Minister for Planning and Development Marriyum Aurangzeb and Finance Minister gave a detailed briefing to the cabinet.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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