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Pakistan Print edition: 2026-08-18

Punjab moves to optimise underused state assets

Published Updated

LAHORE: In a bid to enhance fiscal discipline and unlock the potential of underutilised state assets, the Punjab government is rolling out a structured framework via the Asset Management Authority Punjab (AMAP) to ensure transparent monitoring and utilisation of provincial resources.

It has begun evaluating identified state assets for transfer to the AMAP, framing the initiative as a broader effort to safeguard public resources and optimise their economic utility.

In this connection, Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on the Asset Management Authority Punjab (AMAP) on Monday. Punjab Agriculture Minister Syed Muhammad Ashiq Hussain Shah, Punjab Transport and Mass Transit Minister Bilal Akbar Khan, Punjab School Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat, Punjab Irrigation Minister Muhammad Kazim Pirzada, and senior officers of the relevant departments attended the meeting.

While addressing the meeting, the Finance Minister said the government assets of Punjab are a public trust, and ensuring their effective, transparent, and productive utilisation is the government’s responsibility. He added that the establishment of the Asset Management Authority aims to bring provincial assets under a structured and modern management system so that their actual economic potential and public utility can be enhanced.

Shuja-ur-Rehman further said the management of government assets should not be viewed solely from the perspective of revenue generation; the fundamental objective is to safeguard the value, utility and public interest associated with these assets. He added the best possible use of each asset would be determined after taking into account its nature, existing utilisation, legal status and economic potential.

The Finance Minister emphasised that all government assets should not be treated as cases of a similar nature; rather, each asset must be examined based on its individual characteristics. He said that any decision regarding an asset would be taken after considering complete information, the requirements of the concerned department, applicable legal provisions and the broader public interest.

“The Punjab government is pursuing reforms aimed at promoting the effective utilisation of public resources, fiscal discipline and transparent governance. Effective management of provincial assets is an important component of this reform agenda. Through the AMAP, a system is being developed to ensure improved recording, effective monitoring and transparent decision-making in the management of provincial assets.”

Shuja-ur-Rehman further said that better utilisation of unused or underutilised government assets could create new economic opportunities for the province. However, he emphasised that every case would be taken forward strictly in accordance with the applicable laws, rules, regulations and transparent procedures.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026