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Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Health
- Express Tribune
CM Punjab launches second phase of Clinics on Wheels
Listen to article Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the second phase of the 'Clinics on Wheels' project in Lahore, aimed at delivering enhanced healthcare services directly to residents. Speaking at the ceremony, the CM Punjab highlighted that over ten million patients have received treatment through 911 mobile clinics operating across Punjab in recent months. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has inaugurated Phase 2 of the Clinic on Wheels. — PMLN (@pmln_org) June 19, 2025 She added that the project currently provides free medical care to more than 45,000 people daily throughout the province. Read: Clinic-on-Wheels gathers speed Maryam Nawaz said the newly launched vehicles are fully air-conditioned and equipped with necessary medical facilities, functioning as fully operational clinics with doctors and medical staff on board. To improve oversight, a tracking system has been introduced to monitor the performance of the mobile clinics and ensure they achieve their intended impact. Read more: Labourers' kids offered free higher education The programme initially deployed nearly 250 vehicles during its first phase. With the increased number of units, the project now aims to serve approximately 4 million people across all districts of Punjab. These mobile clinics, serving both urban and rural populations, will provide a range of services including childbirth delivery, essential medical care, and diagnostic facilities. Special attention was drawn to patients in remote areas who receive up to two months' supply of medicines through this initiative. She paid tribute to the efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, noting that their terms saw significant advancements in Punjab's health sector. Read more: CM hails women's interest in digital empowerment She added that her government is committed to building a comprehensive healthcare system to ensure accessible medical services throughout the province. In addition to the mobile clinics, the Chief Minister announced plans to establish modern cardiology centres in eight cities, including Mianwali, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Jhelum, Sahiwal, Murree, and Layyah.
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
PPP threatens budget session boycott, again
In a familiar turn of events, the Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) - a key ally of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) - strongly objected to the federal budget on Monday, accusing the government of discriminating against Sindh and threatening a potential boycott of the budget approval process. The criticism has come during the budget season when internal tensions between the coalition partners annually surface before they are settled, at least till now. Last year, a similar standoff between PPPP and PMLN had emerged, which the main opposition party had dubbed a "fixed fight" aimed at deflecting attention from public scrutiny. Seeing both PPPP and PMLN at odds once again, sources said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has offered PPPP its support in blocking the budget if it was serious. Sources said that PTI's senior leader Asad Qaiser met PPPP leader Raja Pervez Ashraf at Parliament House and proposed that if PPPP was serious about boycotting the vote, the opposition party was ready to coordinate efforts. Hoping to create a schism between the ruling party and its key ally, Qaiser reportedly said that a joint stance could increase pressure on the government. However, Ashraf reportedly assured Qaiser that the offer would be conveyed to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, who is expected to join parliamentary proceedings soon. Addressing journalists earlier, PPPP central spokesperson Shazia Atta Marri described the 2025-26 federal budget as a "dangerous game" being played with Sindh. She alleged that federal projects under the Public Works Department (PWD) meant for Sindh have been transferred to the federal housing ministry rather than being handed over to the provincial government, unlike similar projects in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Marri alleged that transferring PWD's urban development projects to the federal ministry was a violation of provincial autonomy. "It seems they believe Sindh is not capable of managing its own schemes, while other provinces are considered competent," she said. Emphasizing if Sindh's development projects are not handed over to the province, she said, PPP will not hesitate to take extreme measures – possibly withdrawing support to the federal government. She revealed that PPP initially refrained from giving a strong reaction as talks with the ruling party were ongoing and there was hope that Sindh's PSDP allocations and federal commitments would be honored. However, she said, it was now clear that not only Sindh but also Punjab, particularly central Punjab and the Seraiki belt, have been neglected in the budget. She also criticized reduced funding for Sindh's universities, calling the allocation of Rs2.5 billion instead of the expected Rs4.8 billion unacceptable. On energy, Marri pointed out a contradiction in government policy, questioning the rationale of imposing an 18% tax on solar panels while terming solar energy a national priority. Citing further discrepancies, Marri noted that just Rs15 billion funds have been allocated for the Sukkur Motorway in the budget, when its total cost of the project is Rs400 billion. She also claimed that PPPP lawmakers in Punjab were sidelined in PSDP allocations and that the Seraiki belt was largely ignored. She concluded by saying the party's final decision, including any potential boycott, would be made in consultation with PPP chairman and that objections will be raised across all relevant forums before the PMLN government. "We are pursuing a firm strategy. If the government fails to listen, our response will be equally firm," she warned. Last year, PMLN and PPPP also had face-off as main ally of PML-N government had only a token participation in the National Assembly's budget session after the ruling party didn't bother to address PPPP's reservations about budget. "The PML-N has violated the agreement that it reached with PPPP before forming the government in the Center as it has not taken any input from its key ally in the PSDP budget," Marri had shared with The Express Tribune last year, "the government is taking us for granted." Subsequently, PPP had linked its support for the budget and other issues to receiving more share of power in Punjab after a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bilawal. In addition to receiving "more space" in Punjab and its set-up, it had emerged that the PPP sought additional development budget for its lawmakers in the province.
Arab News
5 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan's Punjab unveils $18.9 billion budget, increases development spending by 47%
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's largest and richest Punjab province on Monday unveiled its Rs5.33 trillion [$18.9 billion] budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, increasing its development spending by 47% and refraining from imposing new taxes on the masses. Punjab, home to more than half of Pakistan's over 240 million people, plays a dominant role in the national economy. It contributes roughly 60% to Pakistan's gross domestic product and receives the largest share of federal funds under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. Last year, Punjab's budget for FY2024–25 was about $19.6 billion, with a development outlay of $3 billion. Punjab's budget is seen as politically significant for the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which has faced tough economic and governance challenges since forming its government at the center last year. 'The total outlay for [Punjab's] 2025-2026 budget is Rs5,335 billion [$19.2 billion],' Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman said while presenting the budget in the provincial assembly. Rehman said the provincial government was presenting a 'record-breaking development budget' this time. 'For which the total amount recommended is Rs1,240 billion [$4.36 billion], which is more than 47% compared to the current financial year,' he added. The minister said the FY26 budget did not contain any new taxes on the masses, adding that the government wanted to widen the tax net to increase revenue. Punjab's own-source revenue is projected at Rs828.1 billion ($2.94 billion), including Rs524.7 billion ($1.86 billion) in tax receipts and Rs303.4 billion ($1.08 billion) in non-tax receipts. According to budget documents seen by Arab News, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has set a national target of Rs14,131 billion ($50.11 billion), with Punjab's share estimated at Rs4,062.2 billion ($14.4 billion). Rehman said the province has proposed a significant increase in education and health budgets to benefit the people of Punjab. HEALTH, EDUCATION BUDGETS 'The total allocation for the education sector is Rs811.8 billion ($2.88 billion), which is 21% higher than last year, where development allocation stands at Rs148.5 billion ($526 million), the highest in the province's history and 127% higher than the previous year,' he said. He said Punjab would launch new education projects while continuing existing ones, allocating Rs15 billion ($53 million) for scholarships for high-achieving students and continuing with its Rs5.9 billion ($21 million) Undergraduate Scholarship Programme. 'To address infrastructure needs, Rs40 billion ($142 million) is set aside for building classrooms, while a Rs35 billion ($124 million) Education Delivery Programme aims to enhance access and quality across Punjab,' Rehman said. The minister said the provincial government has allocated Rs630.5 billion ($2.24 billion) for the health sector in this budget, which is 17% higher than last year. 'Of this, Rs181 billion ($641 million) is earmarked for development, reflecting a 41% increase over the previous year,' Rehman said. The minister said Punjab had allocated Rs494 billion ($1.75 billion) for the social sector, which accounted for 40% of the development budget. Rehman said provincial government employees' salaries would be increased by 10%, while pensions have been raised by 5% and the proposed increase in the minimum wage is from Rs37,000 ($131) to Rs40,000 ($142) per month. The minister said that the new budget has given special priority to Pakistan's agriculture sector. 'In the next financial year, Rs123 billion ($436 million) are allocated for development in the agriculture, livestock, irrigation, and water sectors, while Rs56.2 billion ($199 million) is allocated for non-development expenses,' he said. The provincial minister said to ensure a climate-resilient Punjab, a record Rs795 billion (approximately $2.82 billion) worth of projects were included in the budget this year, accounting for 64% of the overall development budget. Pakistan's top revenue-generating Sindh province last Friday unveiled its Rs3.45 trillion ($12.41 billion) new budget while the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province announced a surplus budget of Rs2,119 billion ($7.63 billion) for the next year on the same day.
Arab News
5 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Punjab to unveil new budget today, pledges ‘people-friendly' spending amid economic pressures
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Punjab province, the country's most populous and economically crucial region, will present its budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year today, Monday, with officials promising a 'people-friendly' plan, Radio Pakistan reported. Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman is scheduled to table the budget in the provincial assembly in Lahore after the cabinet's formal approval. Punjab's budget is seen as politically significant for the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which faces tough economic and governance challenges nationwide. 'This budget reflects Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's vision to prioritize people's welfare and accelerate development projects across the province,' Rehman was quoted as saying by state-run Radio Pakistan. Punjab, home to over half of Pakistan's 240 million people, plays a dominant role in the national economy, contributing roughly 60 percent of the GDP. It also receives the largest share of federal funds under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. Last year, Punjab's budget for FY2024–25 was about $19.6 billion, with a development outlay of $3 billion. Officials have said the upcoming budget will maintain a focus on infrastructure upgrades, agriculture support and social welfare schemes to help shield the population from rising prices. Local media reports suggest the government could announce new initiatives in education, health care and urban transport, along with efforts to address power shortages in rural areas.
Arab News
13-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan's top revenue-generating Sindh province unveils $12.4 billion budget with major tax cuts
KARACHI: Pakistan's southern Sindh province on Friday proposed abolishing five taxes as it presented a Rs3.45 trillion ($12.41 billion) new budget for fiscal year 2025-26 to simplify taxation and alleviate financial pressure on people and small businesses. Friday also saw Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province announcing a surplus budget of Rs2,119 billion ($7.63 billion) for next year, without proposing any new taxes. The province allocated significant financial resources for the militancy-hit tribal districts and social welfare programs, according to the budget document. SINDH Sindh's budget, which carries a deficit of Rs38.46 billion ($138.35 million), includes plans to eliminate professional tax, cotton fee and entertainment duty among other levies as part of broader reforms to support salaried individuals, small businesses, and cultural industries. 'I would like to share some important changes being planned to make our tax system simpler and to reduce the financial burden on both individuals and businesses,' Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said while presenting the budget in the provincial assembly. Sindh generates most of Pakistan's revenues, more than 60 percent, and is the second most populous province ruled by Pakistan People's Party of President Asif Ali Zardari, a coalition partner of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party which leads the federal government. Pakistan remains under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan program approved last year and the Washington-based lender wants Islamabad to broaden its tax base by taxing incomes from agriculture, retail and real estate sectors at the provincial level. The two provinces announced their new fiscal plans days after Pakistan's federal government announced its FY26 budget targeting 4.2 percent economic growth, while aiming to arrest fiscal deficit at 3.9 percent of the GDP. In Sindh, the province's total revenue receipts are projected at Rs3.41 trillion ($12.27 billion) for FY2025-26, up 11.6 percent from the current fiscal year ending June. Transfers from the federal divisible pool, which account for 75 percent of revenue, are expected to rise 10.2 percent to Rs1.93 trillion ($6.94 billion). With additional grants and straight transfers, total federal receipts are estimated at Rs2.10 trillion ($7.55 billion). Current Revenue Expenditure (CRE) has been set at Rs2.15 trillion ($7.73 billion), a 12.4 percent increase from the prior year, driven by higher salaries, pensions, and grants to non-financial institutions. Allocations for key sectors have seen marked increases. The education budget has risen to Rs523.73 billion ($1.88 billion) – a 12.4 percent hike – with major investments in primary and secondary education. New initiatives include hiring 4,400 staff, opening four community colleges, and funding for 34,100 primary schools through cost centers. The health sector will receive Rs326.5 billion ($1.17 billion), up 8 percent, including Rs19 billion ($68.35 million) for the Sindh Institute of Urology & Transplantation (SIUT) and Rs10 billion ($35.97 million) for a new hospital in Larkana. Enhanced ambulance and mobile diagnostic services are also planned. Grants-in-aid total Rs702 billion ($2.53 billion), reflecting allocations for hospitals, universities, and development bodies. A Rs520 billion ($1.87 billion) Annual Development Program (ADP) focuses on 475 new schemes targeting flood recovery, renewable energy, and underserved regions. Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, will see major upgrades in transport and infrastructure. Fifty electric buses will launch this year, with 100 more expected by August. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Yellow Line is nearing completion, and the Red Line has passed the halfway mark. The Karachi Safe City initiative will expand CCTV coverage using artificial intelligence, while blockchain-based land records, a KPI monitoring dashboard, and digital birth registration aim to enhance governance. In rural areas, Rs20 billion ($71.95 million) has been allocated for pro-poor initiatives, while the new Benazir Hari Card will support 200,000 farmers. The Sindh Cooperative Bank is being explored to provide interest-free loans to progressive farmers. KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA Presenting the new budget, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Finance Minister Aftab Alam said the province achieved a Rs100 billion ($359.71 million) surplus in the outgoing fiscal year despite receiving Rs90 billion ($323.74 million) less in funds from the federal government. The province is ruled by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, which is in opposition at the federal level. 'Against all odds and skepticism, we not only met our budget targets but also ensured timely debt repayments of Rs49 billion [$176.26 million],' Alam said. He added that KP's own non-tax revenues rose by 74 percent this year, while the KP Revenue Authority collected Rs41.37 billion ($148.79 million) in the first 10 months of the outgoing fiscal year. The province has set a tax revenue target of Rs83.5 billion ($300 million) and a non-tax revenue target of Rs45.5 billion ($163.71 million) for the next fiscal year, aiming to widen the tax net rather than impose new levies. Federal transfers, including Rs1,147.91 billion ($4.13 billion) from tax revenues and Rs58.15 billion ($209.17 million) in oil windfall levy, are expected to form the bulk of receipts. The tribal districts are set to receive Rs292.34 billion ($1.05 billion), including Rs50 billion ($179.85 million) under an accelerated implementation program and Rs39 billion ($140.28 million) for development. Key initiatives include the expansion of the Sehat Card Plus with life insurance coverage, recruitment of 16,000 teachers, and establishment of new degree colleges. The province's police force will receive Rs693.7 million ($2.49 million) for modern arms and Rs1.22 billion ($4.39 million) for vehicles.
