Punjab govt presented tax-free budget: minister

LALAMUSA: Provincial Minister for Trade Chaudhry Shafay Hussain has said that the Punjab government under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has presented the largest budget in the province’s history with a development allocation of Rs 842 billion.

Talking to media, he highlighted the comprehensive measures included in the budget aimed at fostering growth in key sectors such as agriculture, education, health and social welfare. “This budget sets a new history by being tax-free, emphasising our commitment to public welfare,” Shafay stated.

He extended his congratulations to the chief minister and the finance minister for their efforts in crafting a budget that prioritises the needs of the people. The minister said a significant highlight of the budget was the Chief Minister’s Skill Development Programme, which was being implemented with an allocation of 2.97 billion rupees. The programme aimed to enhance the skills of the youths by offering free three-month short courses to 4,000 children annually. “Investing in our youths is investing in our future,” he added.

“Through this programme, we are equipping our young generation with the skills necessary to thrive in today’s competitive job market.” He said that in a bid to boost the textile sector, the Punjab government had also earmarked Rs 3 billion for the establishment of the first Garment City near Lahore. The initiative was expected to generate substantial foreign exchange and create new employment opportunities, driving economic growth in the region, he added.

“The Garment City will not only promote the textile industry, but also pave the way for the Punjab to become a major player in the global textile market,” he added. “The historic development budget is a testament to our dedication to serving the people of the Punjab,” he added.