Lahore - Provincial Minister for Excise & Taxation, Law and Finance, Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman has said Punjab upcoming budget will be tax-free while the raise in salaries of government employees will be made in line with the federal government decision.
Addressing a press conference regarding Punjab Growth Strategy, he claimed that provincial government will achieve growth target of 8pc in next three years.
“Punjab government will overcome loadshedding and energy crisis till 2018 for which solar, coal and LNG power projects are being set up in the province whereas work has also been started at Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park and production will enhance to 1000 megawatt during the next year.”
He said that Punjab government will provide 1 million job opportunities every year for poverty alleviation and raise the living standard of people and vocational training will be imparted to 2 million graduates till 2018. He said that exports of the Punjab will be increased to 15 percent every year whereas growth rate to 8 percent.
Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman said that millennium development goals will be achieved by 2018 and the increase in the salaries of government employees will be made after federal budget. He said that improvement of law and order situation is essential for economic development and sit-ins politics has caused huge loss to investment. He said that 71 percent development budget has been used up to April 30 and 95 percent budget will be utilized at the end of financial year.
Member Provincial Assembly Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha and Secretary P&D Dr. Wasim Ajmal were present on the occasion. Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman said that improvement of law & order situation and elimination of terrorism is vital for providing conducive atmosphere for investment. He said that Punjab government has made tremendous achievement in this regard whereas law & order situation in Punjab is better than other provinces and private sector investment has increased. The Provincial Minister said that most of the population of the province lives in villages, therefore, policies is being formulated by focusing agriculture and livestock sectors so that maximum development could be made in agriculture sector. Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha while giving briefing said that mission of Punjab government is to improve quality of life and Public private partnership is being promoted. Besides vocational training is being provided to youth according to the need of the local industry so that job could be provided to the maximum people.
Replying to a question, Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman said that besides two coal based power projects, Punjab government is also setting up 1200 megawatt LNG power projects whereas 22 billion dollars out of 46 billion dollars investment of China are only for energy projects. He said that government is also providing subsidy of 7 billion rupees to the needy people on flour, transport, medicines and other treatment facilities. He said that government will also provide relief to CNG owners.