LAHORE - The PML-N Traders Wing has stated that Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif deserves appreciation for presenting balanced budget 2014-15 that will lift the growth rate of the province to 8 per cent during next four years, besides providing jobs to over 4 million youths and imparting technical training to about 2 million people.
PML-N Traders Wing chairman Irfan Iqbal Sheikh termed Punjab budget for the year 2014-15 as business-friendly, pro-industry and relief oriented.  Irfan Sheikh said that Punjab government proposed measures in the budget for 2014-15 to revamp its tax administration to curb tax evasion and raise collection through imposition of new levies, rationalise the existing taxes and initiating schemes to reward taxpayers in the province.
He said that Punjab Budget 2014-15 is unprecedented because no new tax has been imposed while allocations for development projects, poverty alleviation, education and health would go a long way in giving required boost the province.
He said that whole country in general and the industrial sector in particular was suffering heavily because of severe energy shortage in the country. Sufficient allocation for energy projects is a step in right direction and ample proof of Mian Shahbaz Sharif’s visionary approach and untiring efforts for resolving the energy crisis.
PML-N Traders Wing Lahore chairman observed that biggest development package of history has been announced for the development and welfare of the people of South Punjab in the new budget. He said that Punjab government of PML-N had allocated 32 percent development funds against the ratio of 31 percent population of South Punjab during previous year whereas 36 percent resources have been allocated in next financial year which is a record in the history of Punjab province.
“The best, balanced and poor-friendly budget of Punjab has been prepared with round the clock efforts and huge amounts have been allocated for the development of education, health, law & order and social sectors.”
He said that earlier claims were made for the development of South Punjab but, in fact, practical steps for development have been taken only by Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif in the real sense upon which he deserves congratulation. He said that rapid development and prosperity of South Punjab will be possible through these allocated funds and modern facilities will become available to the people of the area.