3-months bonus salary announced for Punjab Assembly, CM Secretariat and Law Department Employees

Punjab Assembly Approves Rs. 509.71 Billion Supplementary Budget Amid Opposition Boycott

On June 30, 2025, the Punjab Assembly approved 38 supplementary budget demands totaling Rs. 509.71 billion for the fiscal year 2024–25, marking a major fiscal development in Pakistan’s largest province. The session, however, was notable for the complete absence of opposition members, who boycotted the proceedings, leading to the automatic rejection of all cut motions.

The Assembly session began after a delay of over four hours and was chaired by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan. Punjab’s Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman presented the demands, highlighting that Rs. 266 billion was being allocated for development projects; a historic first in Punjab’s supplementary budgeting history.

“We are correcting fiscal gaps and prioritizing people-focused development,” said the Finance Minister.

Key Budget Allocations

The supplementary demands spanned multiple departments and sectors. Here are the major allocations:

Staff Bonus Announced

In a notable move, Finance Minister Mujtaba Rehman announced a special bonus equivalent to three months’ salary for:

• Punjab Assembly Secretariat staff
• Law Department staff
• Chief Minister’s Secretariat staff

This gesture was made to recognize their contributions during the budget session, although critics claim it may be politically motivated.

Opposition Boycott and Political Dynamics

The entire opposition bloc, including PTI and its allies, boycotted the session in protest of:

• Suspension of 26 opposition members
• Removal of four opposition chairmen from standing committees

As a result, all cut motions were rejected without discussion. The government moved forward unchallenged.

“Opposition absence doesn’t weaken democracy; their disruptive behavior does,” said PPP’s Syed Ali Haider Gillani, who also presented a resolution supporting democratic norms.

Broader Fiscal and Political Context

Punjab’s main budget for 2024–25; approved on June 13, 2024; was Rs. 5,335 billion, with a record Rs. 1,240 billion development allocation. The supplementary budget now adds another Rs. 509.71 billion, taking the overall fiscal footprint significantly higher.

According to economic observers:

• The province’s GSDP for 2024–25 is estimated at Rs. 8,02,701 crore
• Fiscal deficit is targeted at 3.8% of GSDP, lower than last year’s 4.12%
• Capital expenditure cuts remain a concern

Public Reaction and Expert Concerns

Public reaction on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) has been mixed:

✅ Positive Views:

• Applauding increased funding for health, police, and agriculture
• Welcoming development-focused approach

❌ Critical Views:

• Allegations of rubber-stamping budget without oversight
• Concerns over lack of transparency and unchecked bureaucracy bonuses
• Worries about rising debt and long-term fiscal sustainability

Comparison with Other Provinces

Conclusion

The Punjab Assembly’s Rs. 509.71 billion supplementary budget represents a significant mid-year fiscal course correction, with large-scale development spending, law enforcement enhancements, and public service improvements. However, the opposition boycott, lack of parliamentary debate, and administrative bonuses have triggered concerns about transparency, inclusivity, and fiscal prudence.

Moving forward, the Punjab government must strengthen parliamentary accountability, engage with the opposition, and ensure transparent utilization of public funds to uphold democratic and economic integrity.