Mohsin Siddiqui (Chief Reporter)

Punjab government has resolved to hasten the approval process for a short-term budget through the provincial assembly. Official sources disclose that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has instructed the finance department to compile the requisite documentation for this purpose.

Previously, the Punjab government had authorized a one-month budget expenditure until March 31 during the last assembly session. However, with the impending expiration of the current budget term, there arises an urgent necessity to finalize the budgetary arrangements for the forthcoming months.

Upon completion of the budget preparations, a session of the Punjab Assembly will be convened to deliberate and sanction the proposed budget. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the Punjab government seeks the assembly’s endorsement for budgetary allocations until June 30.

In anticipation of these developments, preparations are in progress to convene a session of the Punjab Assembly in the upcoming week. Sources close to the government reveal that a special report outlining the budgetary requirements for the next three months will be presented to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for review.

On February 28, the Punjab Assembly had adjourned indefinitely subsequent to the passage of a resolution for the approval of a one-month budget. This critical session, convened by Punjab Governor Balighur Rehman, also encompassed the approval of supplementary grants.

During the session, PML-N’s Maryam Aurangzeb tabled a motion for the approval of one-month expenses worth Rs358 billion, required for March 1 to 31. The resolution garnered approval amidst slogans from both the treasury and opposition benches, culminating in the indefinite adjournment of the session.