LAHORE: The Punjab government has unveiled a record allocation of Rs. 1,240 billion for the Annual Development Program (ADP) for fiscal year 2025-26, reflecting a significant 47.3% increase from the Rs. 842 billion allocated in the previous year.
According to the budget documents released on Monday, this marks the largest ADP in Punjab’s history and underscores the government’s focus on sustainable, inclusive, and forward-looking development. With a population of over 127.7 million, Punjab continues to drive Pakistan’s economy, contributing more than 55% to the national GDP, nearly 60% of total exports, and about 68% of agricultural output. Amid growing urbanisation and rising pressure on infrastructure, energy, and environmental resources, the government has positioned this ADP as a strategic response to evolving challenges.
Aligned with URAAN Pakistan, the 13th National Development Plan, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, the development program aims to promote equity, innovation, and climate resilience, particularly benefiting underserved regions like South Punjab.
The ADP 2025-26 focuses on major public investments across key sectors. The education sector has been allocated Rs. 148 billion, up from Rs. 82 billion last year, while healthcare will receive Rs. 182 billion, compared to Rs. 165 billion previously. Agriculture has been earmarked Rs. 80 billion, with Rs. 145 billion set aside for urban development and Rs. 120 billion for roads.
The transport sector will get Rs. 85 billion, local government and community development Rs. 142 billion, and irrigation Rs. 38 billion. Additionally, Rs. 38 billion has been allocated for planning and development, Rs. 15 billion for environment and climate change, Rs. 25 billion for forestry, wildlife and fisheries, and Rs. 28 billion for tourism and archaeology.
Industries, commerce and investment, and skill development and entrepreneurship will each receive Rs. 12 billion, while Rs. 6 billion has been allocated for water supply and sanitation.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
