LAHORE, Jun 16 (APP): Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari on Monday lauded Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for incorporating proposals related to journalists in the provincial budget 2025-26, calling it a landmark step for media welfare and public development.
Speaking to the media at the Punjab Assembly premises, she expressed her gratitude to the Chief Minister and termed the new budget the best in Punjab’s history. She emphasized that the financial plan reflects a comprehensive vision for the province’s development, with a strong focus on public welfare, particularly in the sectors of health, education, transport, and service delivery.
“This is the best budget in Punjab’s history, where public welfare has been given top priority,” she remarked.
Azma Bokhari revealed that allotment letters for journalists will be issued soon, and efforts are underway to ensure the timely disbursement of salaries to media workers. She reaffirmed her personal commitment to addressing media-related issues, saying, “Any responsibility entrusted to me for the welfare of media and journalists will be fulfilled with sincerity.”
Touching on broader public initiatives, the minister stated that the health sector will be equipped with adequate staffing to provide effective medical care to citizens. “Punjab is moving rapidly on the path of development and prosperity. Other provinces now consider Punjab’s progress as a model, thanks to our people-friendly policies,” she said.
Azma Bokhari also spoke about the provincial government’s ongoing efforts to revive the film industry, emphasizing that the cultural and creative sectors are being reinvigorated as part of a broader development agenda.
She highlighted that the minimum wage in Punjab has been raised to Rs 40,000 — the highest among all provinces — and added that Punjab also offers the most competitive salaries and pensions in the country.
“The journey of prosperity in Punjab is in full swing, and we are committed to making every citizen feel the impact of this progress,” she concluded.
