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Express Tribune
15 hours ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
WASA Lahore secures biggest budget share
The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Lahore has emerged as the primary beneficiary in Punjab's development outlay for the water and sanitation sector in fiscal year 2025-26, securing the lion's share of funds under the Annual Development Programme (ADP). According to the budget document presented by Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman in the Punjab Assembly, a total of 94 ongoing schemes worth Rs58.13 billion have been allocated across five WASA agencies. Of these, Lahore alone accounts for 59 projects with an estimated cost of Rs24.83 billion, highlighting a sharp imbalance in the distribution of development funds. The remaining four agencies — Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Multan, and Rawalpindi — have been allocated a combined total of only 35 schemes valued at Rs33.29 billion. Critics have pointed to this disparity as a sign of systemic neglect toward cities outside the provincial capital. In terms of new schemes, WASA Lahore again topped the list with 24 new initiatives for the upcoming fiscal year. WASA Gujranwala received only two new projects — valued at Rs5.9 billion and Rs1.51 billion respectively — with budgeted allocations of just Rs.122 million and Rs.13 million for the next year. Despite submitting hundreds of new proposals, agencies such as WASA Multan, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi were left out of the new development portfolio altogether. Senior officials from these agencies, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed frustration over the exclusion, warning that millions of residents, especially in Faisalabad — the textile hub of Pakistan — will remain deprived of clean drinking water. For ongoing projects, WASA Faisalabad received funding for 17 schemes worth Rs19.5 billion, while WASA Multan secured four schemes totalling Rs5.17 billion, and WASA Rawalpindi was granted five projects amounting to Rs6.38 billion. However, actual fund allocations for 2025-26 remain meagre: Rs126 million for Faisalabad, Rs365 million for Multan, and Rs.166 million for Rawalpindi — figures that stakeholders say are insufficient to meaningfully advance the existing work.
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab budget
EDITORIAL: Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman has presented a 5.33 trillion-rupees budget with a 740 billion-rupees surplus for next fiscal year. The surplus is 110.4 billion rupees higher than the amount pledged to the federal government/International Monetary Fund (IMF) as the federal budget earmarked 1217 billion-rupees provincial surplus with Punjab's share of 51.74 percent amounting to 629.6 billion rupees. It may be argued that the addition is to perhaps take account of the federal government traditionally overstating the collections under the divisible pool (understated by 126 billion rupees in 2024-25) or perhaps to provide the federal government/IMF with a comfort level that was severely compromised with the Sindh budget showing a deficit of 38 billion rupees next fiscal year (with its share of the provincial surplus estimated at 298 billion rupees). The Punjab budget anticipates Rs 4.062 trillion in federal transfers. What must be a source of serious concern is that in the outgoing fiscal year there was a shortfall of 50.5 billion rupees in provincial tax collections from what was budgeted and realised, nearly 11 percent, which may compromise the capacity of the Punjab Revenue Department to generate 524.7 billion rupees next year. Non-tax revenue was estimated at 493.78 billion rupees in the revised estimates of the outgoing year while it is projected to generate only 303.44 billion rupees next fiscal year. And what should be even more disturbing is that the budget for 2025-26 envisages a reduction in revenue (excluding federal transfers) from 853.5 billion rupees in the revised estimates to 798.6 billion rupees next year, or a decline of nearly 55 billion rupees. Agriculture income tax, legislated earlier this year but with implementation to begin from 1 July 2025 effective from 1 January 2025, is budgeted to generate only 10.5 billion rupees in 2025-26. While the revenue from this source was budgeted at 3.5 billion rupees in 2024-25 with the revised estimates at 4 billion rupees, which makes the projected revenue from this source next fiscal year higher by an impressive 162.5 percent, yet the total is too low and one would be compelled to assume that the Punjab government expects resistance from the implementation of this tax (largely from parliamentarians across the aisle). In marked contrast, the Sindh government has budgeted 388 billion rupees from this source and one would hope that the Punjab government at least matches this amount in the first year of the implementation of this tax. Urban immoveable property suffered a shortfall from what budgeted of 8 billion rupees (from 29 billion rupees to 21.96 billion rupees in the revised estimates) with the government projecting 32.54 billion rupees next fiscal year, which may not be achievable based on the past year's performance. The shortfall in sales tax on services — an indirect tax whose incidence on the poor is greater than on the rich — was 273.7 billion rupees less in the revised estimates of the outgoing year while the government has projected a rise to 333.5 billion rupees next fiscal year, or a rise of nearly 22 percent next year, which will fuel inflation in the province. The pay rise incorporated in the budget may be largely responsible for the 57 billion rupees more budgeted for next year compared to the revised estimates of last year under employee-related expenses while sadly the pensioners were budgeted less and account for 22 billion rupees additional next year compared to the revised estimates of the outgoing year. Where the Punjab far exceeded Sindh was in raising allocation for increasing the development budget for the year by a whopping 47 percent — from 842 billion rupees in the revised estimates of last year to 1240 billion rupees in 2025-26 though had he compared next year's ADP (annual development plan) with the revised estimates the percentage rise would have been 11.9 percent. However, the federal government had budgeted 2869 billion rupees under provincial ADPs and Punjab's share (51.74 percent as per the National Finance Commission award) should have been higher at 1484 billion rupees or, in other words, it is 16.5 percent less than what was Punjab's expected allocation in the federal budget. Only time will tell whether the Punjab government like other provinces and the federal government will be able to successfully meet its budgetary targets, and if past precedents are anything to go by the chances of this are not really very optimistic. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Education, health get big boost
Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman on Monday presented a Rs5,335 billion surplus budget for financial year 2025-26 in the provincial assembly amid strong protest by the opposition. In the next fiscal year, the government estimated Rs4,062.2 billion federal transfers from the Federal Divisible Pool, while Rs828.2 billion would be generated from the province's own resources under the head of provincial revenue. The government allocated Rs2,706.5 billion for the non-development expenditures – a 6% increase over expenditures in the outgoing fiscal year – which included salaries, pensions, PFC transfers and service delivery. The current capital expenditures was estimated at Rs590.2 billion. "I am glad to inform that the Punjab government is going to present a record development budget of Rs1,240 billion which is 23% of the total budget and 47% higher than the current year's development outlay," the finance minister said in his speech. He added that it was a matter of satisfaction that the proposed expenditures under Account-II (Food) had come to Rs58.3 billiona decline of 88% compared to fiscal 2024-25. "And its prime reason is the reduction in financial burden from national exchequer through payment of the circular debts accumulated over several decades which is glaring evidence of our government's best economic planning and that also caused 94% decrease in payments of the internal debts." Empowering the local governments, the minister told the house, the provincial government allocated Rs764.2 billion under the head of the PFC Award. Rs150 billion were earmarked for waste management and municipal corporations. Education The provincial government has allocated Rs661 billion for education which is 24.4% of the total non-development expenditures. While Rs148 billion has been allocated under the head of development in coming fiscal year for the education sector which is 127% higher than 2024-25. The government had awarded laptops to 40,000 students of universities and colleges through the Chief Minister Punjab Laptop Scheme initiated with Rs27 billion and Rs10 billion, respectively. To promote digital education, the government also earmarked Rs15.1 billion for this purpose through which 112,000 students will be given laptops in the coming year. An amount of Rs15 billion was allocated for the Honahar Scholarship Programme wherein efficient and deserving students will be given opportunities of the best education. For the first time, the government has allocated Rs40 billion for renovation of the dilapidated buildings, missing facilities, IT Labs, extra class rooms in government schools through the school management councils under the Punjab Education Initiative Management Authority (PEIMA). Rs35 billion has been earmarked for the provision of education through private participation under Punjab Education Foundation (PEF). With Rs3 billion, a project of establishing the Nawaz Sharif Centre of Excellence for early childhood education is being started in 10 divisions. Eight new government-affiliated colleges for girls are being established in the province with Rs2 billion. For the first time in Punjab's history, that provincial government earmarked Rs25 billion for universities for the promotion of higher education. Rs2billion has been allocated for Mian Nawaz Sharif Engineering and Technology University. Health The government earmarked Rs181 billion for health sector under the head of development in the next fiscal year, which is 131% higher than the current fiscal year. Under the non-development head, the government allocated Rs450 billion for next fiscal year which is 16% of the total non-development expenditures. The government earmarked Rs109 billion for for establishment of Nawaz Sharif Medical District and Land Acquisition. Under this medical district, Rs54billion will be spent on seven new projects being initiated in Lahore City. The new projects include Children Hospital-II and Institute of Genetic Blood Diseases; Institute of Surgical Orthopaedic and Medical Rehabilitation; Specialised Medical Hospital and Medical College; 1,000-bedded Cardiac Institute; Medical University; State-of-the-art diagnostic lab; and Centre of Excellence for Nursing Education. The government allocates Rs16 billion for establishing medical colleges in Narowal, Okara and Layyah. The project of establishing burn units in Bahawalpur and Rahimyar-Khan at a cost of Rs4 billion has also been made part of this budget. Rs79.5 billion has been allocated for free medicines at government hospitals. In 2024-25, Rs56 billion was earmarked for this purpose, through which over 20 million patients were benefitted with free medicines worth Rs11.1billion. The provision of quality medical treatment with Rs25 billion under the Universal Health Insurance Programme is also included in the priorities of this budget. Rs3.2billion has been earmarked for the Chief Minister's Paediatric Heart Surgery Programme, Rs3.6billion for the Chief Minister's Special Initiative for Transport Programme, Rs8.7billion for the Chief Minister's Dialysis Programme, Rs3billion for Cath Labs, Rs9 billion for the Maryam Nawaz Health Clinics Programme and Rs12.6 billion for the Maryam Nawaz Community Health Programme through the community health inspectors. Two projects of worth Rs20billion has been made part of this budget aimed at upgradation of the BHUs across Punjab. The government earmarked Rs2billion for provision of fire services in 39 tehsils and Rs2billion for establishing the rescue stations in 33 new tehsils and towns. Agriculture The government earmarked Rs123 billion under the development head and Rs56.2 billion under the non-development head in the coming fiscal year for agriculture, livestock, irrigation and water. The government allocated Rs80 billion for agriculture sector, which is 24% higher than the current fiscal year. Green Tractor Scheme's Phase-II will be initiated with Rs5.5 billion and a new project under the banner of High-Power Tractor Programme will be initiated with Rs10 billion. For the Kisan Card, the government earmarked Rs6.3 billion, while Rs8.7 billion for solarisation of agriculture tube-wells schemes. The government earmarked Rs8 billion for Chief Minister's Water Efficient Agriculture (2025-27) – a project which is being initiated for the construction, conservation and efficient utilisation of water resources for agriculture purposes to help line the watercourses. Rs25 billion has been earmarked for three projects – establishment of water reservoirs; water conservation and water use efficiency; and the water infrastructure development and establishment of water storage. The government estimated Rs9 billion to meet the water's deficiency at Kasur with a project titled the New Ravi Syphon. A dam will also be constructed at Rawalpindi with Rs4.2 billion for watering 2,280 acres of agriculture land. Climate resilience To implement the Climate Resilient Punjab Vision, different projects have been made part of the climate budget, tagging a framework of Rs795 billion which is 64% of the total development budget. Out of which Rs277.4 billion is allocated for climate adaption, Rs371.7 billion for climate mitigation, Rs146 billion for environment protection. Rs40 billion under the development head and Rs12.9 billion under the non- development head have been earmarked for environment protection, forest and wildlife. To deal with environment dangers like smog, the government earmarked Rs5.7 billion for the Punjab Clean Air Programme. Governance and law, order The government allocated Rs35 billion under the development head and Rs4 billion under the non-development head for governance and IT sectors. The government earmarked Rs10 billion under the development and Rs290 billion under non-development head. To enhance efficiency of the police department, the government allocated Rs200 billion under non-development head. A new 'Crime Control Department' is being established with Rs3.3 billion under non-development head, while Rs3.24 billion under the development head to stop heinous nature crimes. Other allocations The government allocated Rs336 billion to infrastructure development sector, which is 27% of the total development budget. Rs4 billion is earmarked for the energy sector; Rs31.4 billion under development and Rs107.3 billion under non-development head for the social protection and welfare. The government allocated Rs19.2 billion for 62 development schemes for the welfare of the women. The government allocated Rs28 billion under the development head and Rs1.3 billion under the non-development head to the tourism, archaeology and museums. Opposition protest As the budget speech started, the opposition lawmakers assembled near the chair of the speaker. They tore up the budget books and chanted slogans against the budget, terming it anti-poor people. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was present in the House. The Opposition tried its best to disrupt the finance minister's speech through their noisy protest but all in vain as Rehman continued his speech.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Punjab earmarks Rs130b for agriculture amid scepticism
The Punjab government on Monday unveiled a significant 10.7% increase in its agriculture sector budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26, allocating Rs129.8 billion compared to Rs117.2 billion in FY25. However, the announcement was immediately met with scepticism from farmers' representatives, who argued that financial packages could not help without fundamental reforms to ensure fair crop prices. Provincial Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, during his budget speech, stated that the total development outlay for agriculture, livestock and dairy development, irrigation and water in FY26 would be Rs123 billion, with an additional Rs56.2 billion being earmarked as non-development funds. This conflicts with the combined Rs129.8 billion agriculture sector outlay presented in budget documents. These papers reveal that the total Annual Development Programme for the agriculture sector will be Rs80 billion. This comprises 37 schemes, where 16 ongoing projects will receive Rs32.4 billion and 21 new schemes will get Rs47.6 billion. Key initiatives include the Chief Minister's Punjab Hi-Power Tractor Programme, for which Rs10 billion has been allocated, the CM's Green Tractor Programme Phase-II (Rs5.5 billion) and the CM's Programme for Water Efficient Agriculture (Rs2 billion). Other notable projects are agricultural farm mechanisation (Rs0.7 billion), Fasal Bema (Rs1.5 billion), transformation of agriculture in Potohar (Rs1 billion), Green Pakistan (Rs20 billion), solarisation of tube wells (Rs8.7 billion) and Kissan Card (Rs6.3 billion). An agricultural subsidy of Rs10 billion has also been set aside. Livestock and dairy development has secured a funding of Rs5 billion, which will support 16 schemes. Of these, nine ongoing schemes will get Rs2.8 billion and seven new projects will receive Rs2.2 billion. The allocation for the CM Punjab Livestock Card scheme is Rs1 billion. Irrigation has received a hefty Rs38 billion that will go to 120 schemes – 65 ongoing projects with Rs24.8 billion and 55 new schemes having Rs13.2 billion. The water sector allocation is Rs6 billion, supporting 47 ongoing schemes (Rs4.95 billion) and a new scheme (Rs1.05 billion). Expressing deep dissatisfaction, Pakistan Kissan Ittehad President Khalid Khokhar said, "We do not need any package from the federal or provincial government; we need prices for our produce." He said that the cost of production was higher than market prices for major crops such as wheat and corn. "Farmers are frustrated due to the absence of support prices as their livelihoods are at stake." Khokhar added that fertiliser sales had shrunk 30% along with tractor demand, which dropped 50% from 18,000 to 9,000 units in the first five months of calendar year 2025. The drop comes despite distribution of around 1,000 tractors by the government, he mentioned. Drawing comparison, he pointed out that farmers in India were in a better position, "who know the price for their next crop before the sowing season". "That is called futures trading; we need to put our house in order."
Business Recorder
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Local Bodies Bill: Punjab PA Speaker, govt members express reservations
LAHORE: During the Punjab Assembly session, on Wednesday Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan and government members expressed reservations over the existing Local Bodies Bill. Lawmakers argued that the new Local Government Bill would effectively dismantle grassroots governance. Meanwhile, the assembly approved 14 bills, including the Punjab Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2025. The Punjab Assembly swiftly approved 14 bills in a single session amid the opposition's absence, with the government securing majority votes despite only 50 members being present. Key legislation passed included the Provincial Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill 2025 (Bills No. 25, 43, 45), The Drugs (Amendment) Bill 2025, Punjab Workers Welfare Fund (Amendment) Bill 2025*, Companies' Profits (Workers' Participation) (Amendment) Bill 2025, Stamp (Amendment) Bill 2025, Provincial Employees' Social Security (Amendment) Bill 2025, Punjab Arms (Amendment) Bill 2025, Punjab Judicial Academy (Amendment) Bill 2025, Punjab Fertilizer Control Bill 2025, Police Order (Amendment) Bill 2025, and Punjab Financial Advisory Services Bill 2025. In an unusual move, assembly rules were suspended to fast-track the Anti-Terrorism Punjab (Amendment) Bill 2025, which was also passed by majority vote. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman moved the motion to suspend the rules, citing public interest. The assembly unanimously adopted a resolution condemning the cowardly terrorist attack in Khuzdar, Balochistan. The resolution, presented by Provincial Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, expressed strong condemnation and demanded that the perpetrators be brought to justice. Provincial Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari addressed the house, stating that the attack was orchestrated by "the same proxies of India" that recently faced defeat in Pakistan. She emphasized that these proxies, acting on India's orders, continue to carry out cowardly acts in Balochistan and other parts of the country. Bukhari extended condolences on behalf of the Punjab government, Chief Minister Punjab, and the assembly, noting that the victims were children who were simply heading to school for a better future. She revealed that the Punjab Chief Minister had contacted his Balochistan counterpart to offer condolences and assurances of full support. Bukhari asserted that Operation Bunyan-um Marsoos must not end, as it is crucial to eliminating these proxy threats. Meanwhile, a ceremony honouring Field Marshal Asim Munir was cancelled in light of the Khuzdar tragedy. Following the completion of the agenda, the Punjab Assembly session was adjourned indefinitely. Moreover, the house adopted a condemnation resolution on the Khuzdar tragedy, presented by Provincial Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman. Following the completion of the agenda, the Punjab Assembly session was adjourned indefinitely. The Punjab Assembly session commenced one hour and fifty-five minutes late under the chairmanship of Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan. Before the question hour on the Local Government Department, led by Provincial Minister Zeeshan Rafiq, Syed Zulqarnain Ali Shah raised a point of order, stating, "Our brave Pakistan Army has defeated the deceitful Indian forces. Millions sacrificed their lives when Pakistan was created. Yesterday, children were martyred in the Khuzdar terror attack. India is funding traitors to destabilize Pakistan through terrorism. We must unite—Pakistan now needs a strong military more than ever." Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan responded, "Our armed forces have humiliated India, and the entire nation stands with them. The rank of Field Marshal was also conferred as a tribute to their sacrifices." However, following the recent terrorist incident, ceremonies at the Presidency and other official events have been postponed. The Speaker further urged members to actively support the "Suthra Punjab" (Clean Punjab) program, calling it a "revolutionary step by the government." He emphasized, "This initiative marks the first time development has been directed toward rural areas—members must play their role in further improving this project." Responding to a query from Amjad Ali Javed, Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan acknowledged concerns about government vehicles becoming unusable, asking, *Why do vehicles deteriorate completely? Why aren't they auctioned off in time?" Provincial Minister Zeeshan Rafiq clarified that "no new vehicles have been purchased for the Local Government Department since 2008.' The session grew contentious when MPA Ahmad Iqbal raised an objection, stating, "When I visit my constituency, the contractors of the 'Suthra Punjab' (Clean Punjab) program refuse to cooperate. The Assistant Commissioner even claims the contractor isn't working because of me. Am I a sanitary inspector, an administrator, or a lawmaker?" The Speaker intervened, reminding members that *"this House is where you hold ministers accountable." The Provincial Minister for Local Government defended the Suthra Punjab initiative, stating, "The program has just begun. You can ask the government how much has been spent on the planned projects. Resources are now being directed toward rural areas." However, reservations over the new Local Government Bill dominated discussions, with several lawmakers expressing concerns. Speaker Khan openly criticized the bill, stating, "I myself have objections—it seems this bill prioritizes Deputy Commissioners over public representatives." Provincial Minister Zeeshan Rafiq dismissed the criticism, calling it "misguided perception." MPA Ahmad Iqbal countered, "I stand by my claim: this bill will bury local governments."* Rafiq insisted there was "no truth to these allegations." Amjad Ali Javed remarked sarcastically, "Suthra Punjab is closer to our stomachs than our hearts,"* prompting the Speaker to reveal his personal involvement in the cleanliness drive: "During Ramadan, I personally carried brooms, cleaned streets, and broke my fast with sanitation workers." The session highlighted deepening divisions over governance reforms, with the Speaker urging transparency while lawmakers demanded greater accountability in local administration. The opposition's questions were disposed of due to their absence in the house, with the Speaker stating that the opposition benches were empty during an important legislative session. The opposition, led by Opposition Leader Ahmed Khan Bhachhar, is currently present in Islamabad. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
