Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz presents Rs 5,335 billion tax-free budget

Lahore (Web Desk): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Friday presented the provincial budget of Rs 5,335 billion without imposing any new taxes, calling it a major achievement reflecting strong financial discipline and effective governance.

Addressing the Punjab Assembly, Maryam Nawaz said the government has eliminated the province’s longstanding debt burden, reducing dues accumulated over 30 years to zero. She also highlighted reforms in the Ministry of Minerals, which saved Rs 30 billion.

The Chief Minister announced the launch of the largest clean drinking water project in Punjab, starting from South Punjab, along with a significant expansion of the tax base that has boosted provincial revenue.

Despite opposition members protesting with slogans during the session, Maryam Nawaz confidently continued her speech and congratulated the Prime Minister, Pakistan Armed Forces, Punjab Assembly Speaker, and the public on the historic budget approval.

Maryam Nawaz praised Pakistan’s support for Iran during recent difficult times, calling the ceasefire between Iran and Israel a positive development, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace.

She emphasized the government’s focus on equitable development across Punjab, particularly in South Punjab, where previous governments failed to deliver. The CM also spoke about initiatives to provide identity cards to minorities and farmers.

On healthcare, Maryam Nawaz announced the upcoming inauguration of Punjab’s first public diagnostic center, equipped with modern MRI and CT scan facilities. She cited successful air ambulance missions saving 173 lives and the Children Heart Surgery Card program that has facilitated free surgeries for 5,000 children.

The CM also stated that the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital is nearing completion and acknowledged the government’s efforts to meet IMF targets despite challenges.

Announcing further reductions in bread prices from next week, Maryam Nawaz vowed to end systemic injustice and highlighted budget allocations of Rs 82 billion for health and Rs 1.5 billion for education.