Punjab successfully presents third consecutive surplus budget: Minister Azma

LAHORE, Jun 16 (APP): Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari has said that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has presented its third historic surplus budget, terming it a reflection of strong financial discipline and governance.

Speaking to the media outside the Punjab Assembly on Tuesday, she said the budget was prepared and presented under challenging economic conditions, including global tensions and the impact of recent devastating floods that placed additional pressure on the provincial economy.

She noted that a peace agreement is now moving towards formalization, which she described as a positive development expected to contribute to Pakistan’s economic stability, sovereignty, and future growth prospects.

Referring to past circumstances, Azma Bokhari remarked that there was a time when international calls from Pakistan’s leadership were not even acknowledged. However, she said that due to the policies of the current government, Pakistan is now being viewed with renewed confidence at the global level.

Highlighting fiscal performance, the minister stated that Punjab made a significant financial adjustment by transferring substantial resources to the federal government during the budget process, which created challenges in maintaining a balanced provincial budget. Despite this, she said, the Punjab Revenue Authority achieved record tax collection, setting a new benchmark in revenue generation.

She added that the tax target for the Punjab Revenue Authority has now been further increased to enable the province to finance a larger share of its development and public welfare projects through its own resources. The budget, she said, places strong emphasis on social welfare, farmers, and underprivileged segments of society.

Azma Bokhari also pointed out that declining petroleum prices are helping reduce inflationary pressures, while the provincial government has already taken steps over the past two years to curb artificial price hikes and profiteering.

She said efforts are underway to expand the tax net further, strengthening Punjab’s journey toward greater economic self-reliance.

Praising Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, she said that although the Chief Minister had the constitutional option to skip the Assembly session due to health reasons, she still attended, supervised the budget proceedings, and personally fulfilled her responsibilities toward the public.

Responding to remarks by Ali Haider Gilani, Azma Bokhari said that Multan already has a Metro Bus service and that the government is introducing 1,100 new buses across Punjab, with Multan receiving its due share.

She urged opposition leaders to set aside political bias and recognize the government’s efforts in transforming public transport and other service sectors. She also revealed that the Chief Minister will soon take a final decision regarding a balanced policy on early market closures.

Referring to the recent flood situation, the minister said it was a major test for the government, during which ministers and officials worked tirelessly on the ground to provide relief to affected communities.

In a lighter moment, she thanked the opposition for maintaining discipline during the budget session, noting that they listened to the entire budget presentation without disruption.

Concluding her remarks, Azma Bokhari said that budgets are prepared on the basis of realistic projections and available resources, adding that the Punjab Government has once again presented a model surplus budget. She reaffirmed that all surplus funds will be utilized exclusively for public welfare and development across the province.