The provincial cabinet of Punjab has approved the Rs 5,903 billion budget for 2026–27, proposing a 7 percent salary increase and a 3.5 percent pension rise for government employees.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired the meeting, where Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman briefed members in detail on all the key allocations and fiscal priorities.
The budget proposes Rs 752 billion for development spending, marking a provincial commitment to infrastructure and public services despite constraints in the federal revenue-sharing formula.
Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, provincial ministers, the Chief Secretary, Chairman P&D, Secretary Finance, and other senior officials attended the cabinet session and participated in deliberations.
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude for presenting her third consecutive budget, noting that Punjab has contributed the largest share to federal defence and other national expenditure obligations.
She said that despite a reduced NFC share, Punjab remains committed to providing relief to its people through its own available resources without compromising provincial development priorities.
The Chief Minister added that she continued to chair video-link meetings even while unwell, reflecting her resolve to fulfil the government’s public relief commitments without any delay or interruption.
