Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday approved a “people friendly” Rs5.34 trillion budget provincial budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 after the 35th meeting of the provincial cabinet accorded its formal approval to the budget document. The chief minster, while chairing the meeting, said the government had made every possible effort to provide maximum relief to citizens and minimise the financial burden on them despite economic challenges and prevailing global conditions. She added that although the province had to allocate a substantial amount as its share to the federation, the government remained committed to safeguarding public interests. CM Maryam said the FY 2026-27 budget had been prepared without imposing any new taxes and was focused on public welfare, development and prosperity. She described it as a budget of hope aimed at delivering relief to citizens through the provinces own resources. The CM directed the Punjab Revenue Authority to take effective measures to enhance revenue generation and strengthen the provinces financial capacity. Expressing confidence in the government’s performance, CM Maryam said she hoped the budget would meet the aspirations of the people as in previous years. She appreciated the collective efforts of the cabinet members and officials, saying the entire team had worked as one unit to prepare a people-friendly budget. She also prayed for the ability to continue serving the people of Punjab with sincerity and dedication. The CM also lauded the efforts of Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Provincial Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Finance Secretary Mujahid Sherdil and the entire team involved in preparing the budget. More to follow.