The interim government in Punjab is gearing up to introduce its second four-month budget for the financial year 2023-24. Scheduled to be presented before the cabinet, led by Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, this move comes after the initial four-month budget was rolled out in June for the period of July to October, totaling Rs1.72 trillion. The previous PTI government had sanctioned this budget for the remaining six months of the fiscal year.

This preceding budget raised concerns as it lacked clarity on expenses leading up to the impending elections, originally expected in October. Speculations emerged about the allocation of funds aligning with the political agenda of PML-N in the initial budget, fueling controversy.

The idea of a second budget by a caretaker government prompted the Punjab government to seek legal counsel to avoid any potential legal complications. The advocate general confirmed that there was precedent supported by the Supreme Court for a caretaker government to introduce a second budget, which occurred in 2008 following the tragic assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

Reportedly, the caretaker government has formulated a budget of approximately Rs2.12 trillion, partitioned into Rs1.8 trillion for non-development expenses and Rs320 billion for ongoing development projects. The non-development budget caters to administrative, operational, and routine expenses, including employee salaries.

Furthermore, the Planning and Development Board of Punjab has designated around Rs320 billion for the continuation of 4,900 ongoing development schemes, covering the next 120 days from November 1. Notably, there are no provisions for new development schemes, aligning with the Election Commission of Pakistan’s directives.