LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to expedite the approval process for a short-term budget through the provincial assembly.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has instructed the finance department to prepare the required documentation in this regard, according to media reports.
The Punjab government had previously sanctioned a 1-month budget expenditure until March 31 during the last assembly session. However, with the current budget term set to expire soon, the government felt the urgent need to finalize the budgetary arrangements for the coming months.
Following the completion of the budget preparations, a session of the provincial assembly will be convened to deliberate and approve the proposed budget. The government wanted to secure the assembly’s endorsement for the budgetary allocations until June 30.
Punjab Assembly Session Likely in Next Week
In light of these developments, preparations are underway to convene a session of the provincial assembly in the upcoming week. A special report outlining the budgetary needs for the coming three months will be presented to the chief minister.
The Punjab Assembly had been adjourned on February 28 indefinitely after the passage of a resolution for the approval of a one-month budget.
The important session was called to approve an interim budget for the upcoming 4-month period.
PML-N’s leader Marriyum Aurangzeb had presented a motion in the assembly for approval of one-month expenses worth 358 billion rupees to be required for March 1 to 31. The resolution was accorded approval amid slogans from both the opposition and treasury benches, following which the session was adjourned indefinitely.
