Staff Reporter
LAHORE: Neither new taxes imposed nor their rates increased in the Punjab budget for fiscal year 2025-26, stated Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz while expressing gratitude to Allah Almighty for presenting a tax-free budget with the biggest development program in the history of the province, according to a handout issued by the Punjab DGPR.“We will eliminate a gap between development and facilities in cities and villages,” she reiterated her resolve, promising that the fruit of development would now reach every village.“As many as 1,800 villages in Punjab will be transformed into model villages,” she vowed, said the statement.The chief minister pointed out that besides the Lahore Development Program (LPD), the Punjab Development Project (PDP) is also being introduced. “Development will no longer see a difference between rich and poor; rather, it will be equal for all,” CM Maryam emphasized, adding that the PML-N has come to power with a spirit of serving the common man. “May Allah Almighty grant us success,” she prayed.The Punjab CM said, “We are sincerely trying to fulfill the mission of welfare of the people of Punjab.” She added, “We will fulfill promises made to the farmers. More than 129 billion are being allocated for the purpose.” She noted, “Not thousands but millions of farmers will benefit from the Green Tractor Scheme being executed at a cost of Rs15.5 billion.”The chief minister said, “The construction and expansion of more than 12,000 kilometers of roads will be a record.” She added, “Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital and Sargodha’sNawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology will be completed this year.” She flagged, “Nawaz Sharif Medical District will be the first center in Pakistan where all deadly diseases will be treated, and research will also be conducted.”
