Preparations for Punjab’s new financial year budget are underway, with the provincial government enforcing strict approval and financial discipline rules for all development projects.

The Punjab government has started formal preparations for the budget of the upcoming financial year. Authorities have decided that no development project will be included in the budget without prior approval from the relevant forums.

The Planning and Development Board Punjab has issued detailed instructions regarding the preparation of the Annual Development Program (ADP) 2026–27. The same directives had earlier been circulated on October 10, 2025, and December 24, 2025, reaffirming their importance.

Punjab Public Financial Management Act

All government departments have been instructed to prepare development proposals strictly in line with the Punjab Public Financial Management Act 2022. According to the P&D Board, every public investment project must fulfill all legal requirements outlined in the act.

The P&D Board clarified that only those schemes that have been duly approved by the competent authorities will be included in ADP 2026–27. No unapproved or partially processed projects will be entertained at any stage of budget finalisation.

PC-1 documents, cost estimates

All departments have been directed to submit PC-1 documents along with detailed cost estimates for new schemes. Officials have been instructed to ensure that these documents are sent for approval on time to avoid delays.

In a major decision, the P&D Board announced that no supplementary schemes will be included during the financial year 2026–27. This move aims to prevent mid-year additions that often disrupt planning and financial control.

Focus on timely completion, discipline

The Planning and Development Board stressed that the objective of these measures is to ensure timely completion of already approved projects. The decision is also intended to strengthen financial discipline and prevent unnecessary cost overruns.

According to the P&D Board, the new framework will promote transparency, efficiency and improved financial management. Officials believe these steps will lead to better utilisation of public funds and more effective development outcomes across Punjab.