Punjab to unveil Rs 1,200b development budget for FY2026; draft prepared

LAHORE: The Punjab government has finalised a draft of its development budget for the upcoming financial year, proposing an allocation of Rs 1,200 billion. The draft has been presented to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz by the Department of Planning and Development, sources said.

As per the draft, a substantial Rs 536 billion has been earmarked for 1,412 ongoing development schemes, while Rs 457 billion is proposed for 1,353 new development initiatives across the province. Additionally, Rs 207 billion will be allocated to 32 previously approved but pending programs.

KEY ALLOCATIONS:

• Rs 100 billion for the Chief Minister’s Local Road Program Block.
• Rs 1 billion to convert Tehsil Headquarters Hospitals to solar energy.
• Rs 750 million for solar conversion of Government Higher Secondary Schools.
• Rs 4.34 billion for the Punjab Clean Water Authority.
• Rs 9 billion for the Chief Minister’s Punjab Schools Mail Program across 8 districts.
• Rs 10 billion for the Chief Minister Tractor Program aimed at supporting agriculture.

RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT

• Rs 3 billion each for installing solar systems in government colleges and High Court benches.
• Rs 2 billion (Rs 200 crore) for solarization of the Governor House.
• Rs 4 billion (Rs 400 crore) for solar-based hydropumps.
• Rs 339.4 million for shifting the Punjab Safe Cities Authority to solar power.
• Rs 500 million annually proposed for the Punjab Clean Air Program.

AGRICULTURE

• A 3-year program to boost mango production, with an annual allocation of Rs 750 million.
• Rs 750 million for constructing and repairing the Agriculture House Lahore.
• Rs 5.5 billion for Punjab Green Tractor Program Phase II.

BUSINESS FRIENDLY VENTURES

• Rs 89 billion for the Chief Minister’s Easy Business Finance Scheme.
• Rs 8 billion and Rs 6 billion respectively for Asan Business Finance North and South Punjab.
• Rs 750 million to expand Punjab Business Facilitation Centers.

TRADE AND INVESTMENT

• A decision has been made to establish a Trade and Investment House in Punjab with a proposed budget of Rs 500 million.
• The government also plans to set up a new Punjab Electric Power Regulatory Authority, with Rs 30 million allocated for its establishment.

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