Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly, Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar, has harshly criticized the newly announced provincial budget, calling it “the worst budget in Punjab’s history” and claiming it offers “not a single rupee” of relief to the common man.

Speaking at a fiery press conference in Lahore on Monday, Bhachar accused the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led provincial government of prioritizing optics over substance. “This government is collapsing under its own weight,” he declared, adding, “There is no relief in this budget. It completely ignores the welfare of the people.”

Bhachar took particular aim at Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, saying, “She’s visited the assembly twice only for photo sessions while ignoring the real economic challenges faced by the people.” He further alleged that the local government had “fooled the people” and accused the administration of incompetence, citing multiple delays in the budget announcement.

He questioned the feasibility of the government’s ambitious Rs1,240 billion development budget. “They kept changing the budget date and now have announced a plan they can’t implement. How will they even spend such a massive amount efficiently?”

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Reacting to the recent overnight hike in petrol and diesel prices, Bhachar said it reflected the government’s anti-people policies. “Prices are rising, inflation is choking households, and yet not a single welfare measure has been proposed.”

To counter the government’s budget, Bhachar announced that the opposition would present a shadow budget that focuses on “genuine public welfare” and provides practical solutions for inflation relief, development, and good governance.

Earlier on Monday, Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman presented Rs5.335 trillion provincial budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 during the Punjab Assembly session amid strong protests led by opposition benches.

Out of this, the development budget has been set at Rs1,240 billion, marking a significant 47.2% increase from Rs842 billion allocated in FY 2024–25. Rs 2,706.5 billion have been allocated for non-development expenditures, which include salaries, pensions, and service-related expenses.

Also Read: Budget 2025-26: Punjab govt approves hike in salaries, pensions

The minister noted that only a 6% increase has been made in overall expenditures compared to the previous fiscal year, reflecting the government’s efforts to maintain fiscal discipline.

Total Provincial Consolidated Fund has been estimated at Rs5,335 billion, forming the backbone of the province's financial framework for the upcoming fiscal year.

Punjab’s Own Source Revenue is projected to be Rs828.1 billion, which includes Rs524.7 billion in tax receipts and Rs303.4 billion in non-tax receipts.