LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: The Punjab cabinet, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, on Monday approved a budget of Rs5,535 billion for the fiscal year 2025–26.
The cabinet also approved a 10% increase in salaries for government employees and a 5% raise in pensions. Budget allocations for various sectors were finalized during the meeting.
In a separate development, the Punjab Assembly passed the Specialized Medical Institutions Punjab 2025 Bill by a majority vote, rejecting all proposed amendments from the opposition.
Additionally, Provincial Information Minister Azma Bukhari introduced the Punjab 2025 Public Awareness and Information Provision Bill in the assembly. Opposition Leader Malik Ahmad Khan submitted several proposed amendments to the bill, which were not adopted.
The opposition criticized the government for rushing legislation. “What’s the urgency in passing these bills? What is the government afraid of?” questioned opposition member Ejaz Shafi Dogar.
In response, Provincial Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique defended the swift legislative process, stating, “We’re completing projects the PTI government couldn’t deliver in years — we’re doing it in months. This is the nation’s time, and we’re not going to waste it.”
