Punjab Budget 2025–26: 10% Salary Increase, Major Investments in Education and Health
Lahore, June 2025 – The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has presented a bold and people-focused budget for the fiscal year 2025–26, totaling more than Rs 5.3 trillion. A central highlight of the new budget is a 10% increase in salaries for government employees, aiming to help workers cope with rising living costs.
Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, while presenting the budget, emphasized that the province is making steady progress under Maryam Nawaz’s leadership. He highlighted significant allocations across education, health, and technology sectors.
Strong Focus on Education and Youth Empowerment
The education sector has once again been prioritized. A total of Rs 661 billion has been set aside for non-developmental expenses in the education department, ensuring smooth operation of schools and educational institutions.
To empower talented students, the government has allocated Rs 15 billion for the Honhaar Scholarships Program, which will benefit high-achieving students across the province. An additional Rs 4.5 billion will be distributed as student stipends, providing financial assistance to deserving students.
In a major technology initiative, 112,000 students will receive laptops under two separate schemes. One project is valued at Rs 27 billion, and another at Rs 10 billion, ensuring wide-scale digital access for youth across Punjab.
To improve school infrastructure, Rs 5 billion has been allocated for repairing and upgrading public school buildings, reflecting the government’s commitment to quality learning environments.
Historic Spending on Health Sector
The Punjab government is also investing heavily in the health sector. The development budget for healthcare has been set at Rs 181 billion, while Rs 450 billion is allocated for non-development expenses, covering salaries and operational costs.
A major project is the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment & Research, for which Rs 12 billion has been earmarked. The government has also proposed Rs 2.6 billion for the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology, both aimed at providing advanced healthcare services.
In a landmark move, the budget includes Rs 109 billion for land acquisition and construction of the Nawaz Sharif Medical District, which will include state-of-the-art medical facilities. Additionally, Rs 9 billion will be spent on the Maryam Nawaz Health Clinics Program, aiming to provide accessible primary healthcare to communities.
Further, Rs 12.6 billion has been set aside for the Maryam Nawaz Community Health Program, focusing on maternal and child health, vaccination drives, and rural health services.
A Vision for a Progressive Punjab
Overall, the Punjab Budget 2025–26 reflects the government’s vision of an inclusive, tech-savvy, and healthier society. With increased salaries, massive funding in education and health, and student-focused programs, the government aims to build a stronger and more self-reliant province.
This budget is not only a financial plan but a statement of priorities—where the people, their future, and their wellbeing come first.
