LAHORE: Provincial Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari has said that Punjab made a significant financial sacrifice during the budget process by transferring a substantial amount of resources to the federal government.
“This naturally created challenges in maintaining a balanced provincial budget. Despite these constraints, the Punjab Revenue Authority achieved record tax collection, setting a new benchmark for revenue generation,” Azma said, adding: “The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has presented its third historic surplus budget that was formulated and presented under exceptionally difficult economic circumstances.
On one hand, Pakistan’s economy was affected by global tensions between the United States and Iran, while on the other, the devastating floods of recent years created significant economic challenges.”
Speaking to the media, Azma Bokhari said that a peace agreement is now moving towards formalization, which is expected to mark a historic milestone for Pakistan’s economic stability, sovereignty, and future growth.
Referring to the past, she remarked that there was a time when even calls from Pakistan’s Prime Minister were ignored internationally.
Today, however, owing to the successful policies of Maryam Nawaz and the current government, the world is looking toward Pakistan with renewed confidence and optimism.
Highlighting key budgetary measures, the minister stated that PRA’s tax target has now been increased further so that Punjab can finance more of its development projects and public initiatives through its own resources.
The budget places special emphasis on the social sector, including social welfare, farmers, and underprivileged segments of society.
Azma Bokhari noted that petroleum prices are witnessing a noticeable decline, which is expected to help eliminate artificial inflation in the country. She emphasized that during the last two years, the Punjab Government, under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, successfully prevented excessive price hikes and profiteering.
She further stated that efforts are underway to broaden the tax net, enabling the province to move steadily toward greater economic self-reliance.
Praising the Chief Minister’s dedication, Azma Bokhari said that constitutionally, Maryam Nawaz had the option of not attending the Assembly session due to her health condition, and there are several precedents for such an arrangement.
However, despite serious health issues, the Chief Minister personally attended the session, supervised the budget proceedings, and fulfilled her responsibility to represent the people.
Responding to remarks made by Ali Haider Gilani, Azma Bokhari said “ Multan already benefits from its Metro Bus system and that the Punjab Government is now introducing 1,100 new buses across the province. Multan will receive its fair share of these vehicles.”
She urged Ali Haider Gilani to set aside political prejudice and acknowledge the government’s transformative initiatives in the public transport sector. She also revealed that CM Maryam Nawaz will soon take a final and balanced decision regarding the policy on early market closures.
Azma Bokhari recalled the flood crisis, describing it as a major test for the government. She said that ministers and administrative officials worked tirelessly on the ground, serving not as bureaucrats but as dedicated workers to provide relief to affected communities.
In a light-hearted remark, she thanked the opposition for the peaceful conduct of the budget session, saying she appreciated opposition leaders for listening to the entire budget without disruption and maintaining decorum throughout the proceedings.
Concluding her remarks, Azma Bokhari reaffirmed that budgets are always prepared according to the best available projections and resources.
She maintained that the Punjab Government has once again presented a model surplus budget and pledged that all fiscal reserves and surplus funds generated under this budget will be utilized exclusively for the welfare and development of the people of Punjab.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026