The Punjab government has presented a huge Rs1202 billion development budget for 2025-26. The final draft, submitted by the Planning and Development (P&D) Department, charts ambitious investments in priority sectors such as education, health, infrastructure, and urban development.
The highly awaited Punjab budget 2025-26 will be tabled in the provincial assembly on July 16, which is expected to redefine public services and enhance economic growth.
Local funding will provide Rs892.78 billion of the total development outlay and foreign assistance Rs184.49 billion. An additional Rs124.73 billion has been earmarked for various other development initiatives.
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Here’s a breakdown of how Punjab plans to spend this historic allocation:
- Urban development leads with a hefty Rs145 billion, closely followed by Rs142 billion for the Local Government Department.
- Urban development takes the lead with a substantial Rs145 billion, followed closely by Rs142 billion for the Local Government Department.
- The Road Sector gets Rs120 billion, a step intended to drastically boost inter-city and rural connectivity.
- The Health and Population Welfare sectors will get Rs90 billion, providing greater access to medical facilities.
There is an equally strong thrust for education too. The School Education Department is estimated to receive Rs100 billion and Higher Education Rs25 billion. In contrast, the Planning & Development and Governance & IT sectors are suggested Rs40 billion each.
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In other allocations:
- Irrigation Department receives Rs40 billion, and Public Buildings Rs25 billion.
- Rs30 billion is allocated to Tourism to unlock the untapped travel potential of the province.
- Wildlife and Fisheries each receive Rs10 billion, mirroring increasing environmental concerns.
Smaller yet significant amounts include:
- Environment – Rs15 billion
- Skill Development – Rs12 billion
- Industries – Rs12 billion
- Sports – Rs7.6 billion
- Energy – Rs7.5 billion
- Water Supply and Sanitation – Rs6 billion
- Price Control and Commodities Management – Rs5.51 billion
- Forestry and Livestock – Rs5 billion each
Departments like Human Rights and Minority Affairs, and Literacy are expected to receive Rs4 billion each, while Social Welfare and Special Education are allocated Rs3 billion and Rs2 billion, respectively. Lastly, Information and Culture is proposed Rs5 billion—a nod to preserving Punjab’s rich heritage.
