Punjab Archives - FutureSoch

Punjab sets higher revenue targets, cuts development projects in budget

June 16, 2026 by Newsdesk

LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly on Tuesday received the provincial budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, featuring a modest increase in salaries and pensions for government employees and a significant reduction in development spending, amid noisy protests from opposition lawmakers.

Punjab Finance Minister Shujaur Rehman presented the budget during a session chaired by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan. The proceedings began one hour and 40 minutes behind schedule and were attended by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Opposition members staged a protest as the budget speech began, chanting slogans against what they described as a “fake budget.” The demonstration intensified when lawmakers moved toward the speaker’s dais and protested in front of the chief minister.

Under the budget proposals, salaries of government employees will increase by 7%, while pensions will rise by 3.5%. Government officials said the measures were intended to provide relief from inflationary pressures.

The provincial government also proposed a major reduction in development spending. The development budget has been set at 752 billion rupees, down from 1.45 trillion rupees.

According to budget documents, the development allocation for the outgoing fiscal year stood at 1.24 trillion rupees, meaning the new proposal represents a reduction of 488 billion rupees.

The number of development projects has also been cut significantly. The budget includes 3,560 projects compared with 5,755 in the previous year, while the number of new projects has fallen from 1,662 to 420.

The budget documents show a proposed 42.7% increase in the province’s own-source revenue targets. Revenue targets for the Board of Revenue have been increased by 25%, while the Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department has been assigned a 77% higher target.

Before the budget was presented in the assembly, the Punjab Cabinet approved the financial plan during its 35th meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The cabinet reviewed fiscal targets, budget proposals and their impact on various sectors.

The cabinet also approved a resolution related to the reported agreement between Iran and the United States and held detailed discussions on budget recommendations before giving final approval for its presentation in the assembly.

Punjab ready to offer financial relief to federal government

June 9, 2026 by Newsdesk

LAHORE: The Punjab provincial government is prepared to extend financial relief to the federal government, according to sources in the provincial assembly.

Officials said the Punjab government may provide up to 570 billion rupees in financial relief to help Islamabad reduce its fiscal deficit and meet International Monetary Fund targets.

They added that under the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, Punjab is expected to receive more than 3.793 trillion rupees from the divisible pool of revenues.

Meanwhile, the provincial government has finalized the outline of its budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year, with the total volume set at 5.131 trillion rupees, sources said.

No official statement has yet been issued by the Punjab government confirming the reported financial arrangement.

On the other hand, Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman said the province will not compromise on its share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) award and will strongly defend its constitutional rights if any reduction is made.

Addressing a pre-budget roundtable conference in Lahore, he said Punjab is currently running more than 100 major development programs and requires adequate financial resources to sustain them.

He warned that if Punjab’s share in the NFC award is reduced, the province would “defend its rights,” adding that Punjab cannot transfer or surrender its financial resources under any circumstances.

The finance minister said the provincial government is working on establishing a unified tax collection system under one roof to improve efficiency and revenue collection. He added that efforts are also underway to promote agriculture and industry, along with the preparation of a major industrial package expected to involve billions of rupees over the next three years.

He said the government aims to reduce taxes rather than introduce new ones.

Maryam Nawaz, he said, is overseeing governance reforms and has resumed work after health improvement.

Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman said Punjab has already presented two budgets and will now present its third budget on June 16.

Punjab relaxes business hours, lifts 8 p.m. closing restriction until June 1

May 15, 2026 by Newsdesk

LAHORE: The Punjab government has temporarily lifted the requirement for markets and businesses to close by 8 p.m., granting relief to traders across the province until June 1.

Under the decision, shopping malls, markets, hotels, restaurants and food outlets throughout Punjab will be allowed to operate beyond the previously imposed closing time.

Deputy Commissioner Ali Ejaz said the 8 p.m. shutdown rule will no longer be enforced starting immediately.

He said providing relief to the business community is a government priority and added that extended operating hours will make shopping more convenient for the public.

The temporary relaxation comes as authorities seek to balance commercial activity with broader administrative and energy management policies.

Earlier, The Punjab government has introduced a series of austerity measures on the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, including mandatory early closure of markets and cuts in government spending.

According to an official notification, shops, markets and shopping malls across the province, including Lahore, will close at 8 p.m.

Wedding halls and restaurants will be required to shut by 10 p.m., while fuel quotas for government vehicles have been reduced by 50%.

The notification also imposes a ban on the purchase of new government vehicles and encourages officials to conduct meetings through online platforms.

Punjab extends winter vacations for educational institutions

January 10, 2026 by Newsdesk

LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to extend winter vacations for educational institutions across the province by one week, citing severe weather conditions and concerns over students’ health.

According to a statement issued by the Punjab Education Department on its official social media platforms, the decision was taken following a public survey conducted to seek citizens’ input. As per the revised schedule, educational institutions across Punjab will now reopen on January 19.

A spokesperson for the Punjab Education Department said the extension was approved after public consultation, adding that the move aims to safeguard students amid harsh winter conditions.

The spokesperson further stated that nearly 87 percent of respondents supported extending the holidays, while about 13 percent favored reopening institutions on January 12.

Punjab Education Minister emphasized that all Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of education departments must ensure strict implementation of the decision in their respective districts.

The department reiterated its commitment to prioritizing students’ health and safety while making policy decisions related to the academic calendar.

Kite flying allowed in Punjab with conditions

December 3, 2025 by Newsdesk

LAHORE: The colorful tradition of kite flying returns to Punjab after 25 years, with the government issuing a structured legal framework for safe Basant festivities.

Governor Punjab Sardar Salim Haider signed the ordinance allowing the celebration of Basant with certain restrictions, violations of which may result in fines and imprisonment.

Key provisions of the ordinance include:

Kite flying had been banned in Punjab since 2001. After 25 years, it is now permitted under strict regulations.

Children under 18 years old are prohibited from flying kites; parents or guardians will be held responsible for any violations.

Only cotton thread (“dhor”) is allowed; the use of metallic or sharp-edged threads will incur strict penalties.

Violations can result in 3 to 5 years imprisonment and fines up to PKR 2 million.

Motorcycles used in kite flying must comply with safety measures, and authorities may search suspicious locations or houses; offenses are non-bailable.

First-time violations by minors incur a PKR 50,000 fine, with a second violation attracting PKR 100,000; failure to pay will lead to action against the parent or guardian.

Kite associations must register with the relevant district deputy commissioner. Whistleblowers reporting violations will receive legal protection and encouragement.

Kites must be purchased only from registered sellers, each linked to a QR code; the same applies to kite strings and makers for traceability.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated that this move marks the revival of Punjab’s traditional cultural and festive heritage after three decades, restoring the spirit of Basant while ensuring safety and regulation.

Punjab suffers as Lahore again tops global pollution chart

October 29, 2025 by Newsdesk

LAHORE: The Lahore city once again topped the list of the world’s most polluted cities on Wednesday, as thick smog blanketed Punjab and the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed to a hazardous 462.

According to real-time monitoring data, Sandha Road recorded an alarming AQI of 941, followed by Cantonment at 690, Iqbal Town at 639, and Burki Road at 616 — placing the provincial capital under severe smog conditions.

The situation was similarly dire in other major cities. Multan’s AQI hit 507, Faisalabad 712, Gujranwala 287, and Peshawar 219, all indicating unhealthy to extremely hazardous air quality.

Medical experts have urged citizens to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, wear protective masks, and keep windows closed, warning that prolonged exposure to the polluted air could trigger respiratory and cardiac complications, particularly among children and the elderly.

Authorities said the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) has mobilized its 16 mechanical washers and 50 washing rickshaws as part of the ongoing anti-smog operation. Around 200 sanitation workers have been deployed in the day shift and another 200 at night, carrying out washing and water sprinkling on over 300 kilometers of roads daily.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirmed that water sprinkling is being carried out twice a day across 47 major roads, including Jail Road, Main Boulevard Gulberg, Noor Jahan Road, MM Alam Road, GT Road, Band Road, Ravi Road, Shahdara, Saggian, Nazaria Pakistan Avenue, Raiwind Road, and Ferozepur Road, among other high-AQI areas.

In the night shift, mechanical washing and water sprinkling are being ensured at all entry and exit points of Lahore, in a bid to suppress dust and particulate matter contributing to smog formation.

Lahore’s air turns toxic as smog worsens across Punjab

October 27, 2025October 27, 2025 by Newsdesk

LAHORE: The Lahore continues to battle intense smog as air pollution in the city climbs to hazardous levels, raising serious health concerns among residents.

According to the Punjab Environment Protection Department’s website, Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has climbed to 358, while Gujranwala recorded a hazardous 500 and Sargodha stood at 347.

Official data shows that Faisalabad’s AQI was recorded at 306, Multan’s at 304, and Dera Ghazi Khan’s at 244.

Among Lahore’s most polluted areas, Multan Road topped the list with an AQI of 500, followed by GT Road (500), Shahdara (391), and Safari Park (377). The AQI at Kahna and Punjab University was recorded at 335 each.

Punjab restricts protests and public gatherings province-wide

October 10, 2025 by Newsdesk

LAHORE: The Punjab government has enforced Section 144 across the province, restricting public gatherings and the display of firearms for the next ten days.

According to a notification issued by the Home Department, the restrictions have been enforced to maintain law and order in the province. The ban applies to rallies, processions, and sit-ins, which will remain prohibited during this period.

The ongoing notification states that under Section 144, the display of weapons and public gatherings will also be banned in the province.

Meanwhile, the use of loudspeakers besides Azan and Sermon across the province will also be prohibited.

It is to be remembered that Tehreek -e –Labbaik Pakistan has announced a march towards Islamabad today, there were some incidents of clashes between TLP workers and police in different cities of Punjab including Lahore.

Punjab on alert as heavy rains swell rivers

October 7, 2025October 7, 2025 by Newsdesk

LAHORE: Continuous downpours have led to rising river flows across Punjab, prompting the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to issue a flood alert and urge caution in low-lying areas.

According to a PDMA spokesperson, water flow in the Jhelum River at Mangla upstream is expected to increase, with the possibility of a medium-level flood within the next 24 hours. Meanwhile, low-level flooding has already been reported in the Sutlej River at Ganda Singh Wala and the Ravi River at Head Sidhnai.

While the worst of the flooding has passed in Bahawalpur district, the devastation it left behind is significant. Thousands of houses have collapsed, and standing crops over hundreds of thousands of acres have been destroyed.

The stagnant floodwaters have now led to a surge in mosquito populations, raising concerns over waterborne and vector-borne diseases.

In Multan’s Jalalpur Pirwala tehsil, drainage operations are still underway, with several low-lying areas remaining submerged. Authorities confirmed that all seven breaches at Noraja Bhutta Bund have been sealed.

However, the M-5 Motorway remains closed for a 25th consecutive day due to flood damage. Officials said a 23-kilometer stretch of the motorway was damaged at more than 13 points, and restoration work will begin soon. Traffic is currently being diverted through alternate routes.