Punjab Govt Orders Public Bodies to Transfer Deposits Amid Rising Welfare Spending

LAHORE: The Government of Punjab has taken a major decision in response to rising public welfare expenditures, directing several public sector entities to transfer their deposits to the provincial government.
The directive applies to development authorities, Parks and Horticulture Authority, Water and Sanitation Agency, and waste management companies. These institutions have been instructed to transfer all available funds to the government, except those required for salaries, pensions, and emergency expenses.
Officials said the move aims to create fiscal space for providing public relief, particularly in sectors like transport, and to support welfare initiatives amid shortfalls in revenue targets.
The provincial government has also sought repayment schedules for outstanding liabilities from these institutions.
The decision was made during a meeting held in Lahore under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Zahid Zaman Akhtar. The meeting also emphasized stricter financial discipline across departments, directing authorities to cut unnecessary expenditures and ensure efficient use of resources.