The Punjab government has proposed spending Rs703.1 million in the FY2026-27 budget for the Chief Minister, cabinet members, and other political officeholders. This money will cover salaries, allowances, travel, transport, and other benefits.
According to budget documents, this allocation is for 91 political positions. These include the Chief Minister, ministers, advisers, parliamentary secretaries, and special assistants. More than Rs540 million of this amount is set aside just for salaries. The rest will go towards different allowances and official travel costs.
This proposal comes as part of the larger Punjab budget for 2026-27, which the provincial cabinet approved under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The total provincial budget is around Rs5.9 trillion and is described as people-friendly, with no new taxes. It focuses on public welfare, development, education, health, and salary increases for government employees.
The proposal will now be discussed and reviewed in the Punjab Assembly before final approval. Such expenses for political leaders are common in provincial budgets to run government offices smoothly. However, they often attract attention because people want to see more money spent on public services like schools, hospitals, and roads.
Critics may question high spending on political offices when the government is asking for careful use of public funds. Supporters say these are necessary costs to manage the large province effectively. The final decision rests with the Punjab Assembly after debate.
