The Punjab budget for financial year 2017-18 will be presented in the provincial assembly of Punjab on June 2. Finance Minister Dr Ayesha Ghous Pasha will present the budget. Sources said that no new tax will be levied in the upcoming budget while sales tax will be imposed on more services in an effort to broaden tax net. The budget will focus on extending relief to people. Special measures will be proposed for ensuring ease in doing business and surge in exports.

Public-private partnership will be further promoted so that the maximum job opportunities could be created. Interest-free loans will be provided for promotion of SMEs. The programmes of skill development and vocational training will be expanded, the sources added. The sources further said that special attention will be paid to the development of social sector in ADP 2017-18. Record funds will be earmarked for the development of South Punjab and completion of mega projects. In the budget, special measures will be announced for the development of agriculture and welfare of farmers, the sources said. "The budget will be reflective of aspirations of the people of province and programme of speedy development and prosperity of people will be further forwarded," he added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2017