Punjab Cabinet, which met here Friday with Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif in the chair, accorded approval to budget proposals for the financial year 2017-18. It also approved revised estimates for the financial bill 2017 and financial year 2016-17. The Cabinet meeting also commended the performance of Finance Minister Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Chairman P&D, Secretary Finance and his team.
While addressing the meeting, Shahbaz Sharif said that the largest development budget in the history of the Punjab province was being presented today. Record funds for different sectors including health, education, and agriculture have been allocated while billions of rupees have been earmarked for the provision of clean drinking water to the people. Similarly, unusual steps have been proposed for the improvement of social sector.
He said that historic steps are being taken for the prosperity of the farming community in the upcoming financial year. Record funds would be available for the prosperity of the people living in southern districts of the province. He hoped that the new budget would reflect the composite development of different areas as well as ensuring public welfare, strong economy and sustained development.
Shahbaz congratulated the Punjab Cabinet and the whole nation over production of 1320 MW electricity from Sahiwal Coal Power Project and said that an important milestone has been achieved today as second turbine of the project has also started producing 660 MW electricity on trial basis. The Punjab Cabinet was also given briefing about the provincial budget and salient features of annual development program. The meeting also offered Fateha for the departed soul of niece of Finance Minister and extended condolences to her.