Budget 2026-27: Punjab launches Rs 100bn ‘Generation Punjab’ initiative for youth empowerment

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Jun, 2026) The Punjab government has allocated substantial resources for sports, culture and youth empowerment in the fiscal year 2026-27, including the launch of the Rs 100 billion “Generation Punjab” initiative aimed at equipping young people with modern skills, employment opportunities and entrepreneurship support.

Presenting the provincial budget in the Punjab Assembly on Tuesday, Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif had declared FY2026-27 as the “Year of Youth” to unlock the potential of the province’s young population and accelerate socio-economic development.

He said the Generation Punjab programme would be the first comprehensive youth-focused package of its kind in the province's history, comprising multiple projects designed to empower youth, develop their capabilities and create opportunities for education, skills development and employment.

The minister said that during the outgoing fiscal year, 42 sports facilities were restored and upgraded at a cost of Rs 9.53 billion. Under the Khelta Punjab programme, 25 modern multi-purpose sports facilities were established, while athletic tracks were constructed in Chakwal and Bahawalpur.

Mujtaba said the government had proposed the establishment of the Maryam Nawaz Sports City in Lahore at an estimated cost of Rs 50 billion, describing it as the flagship project of the sports sector.

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In addition, Rs 6.6 billion had been proposed for the development of sports infrastructure and facilities across Punjab.

Highlighting initiatives in the cultural sector, the finance minister said the Punjab government had doubled financial assistance for artists during the current fiscal year and would continue supporting cultural development through new projects and institutional reforms.

He said upcoming initiatives included the establishment of the Alhamra Institute of Performing and Visual Arts academy, development of Alhamra Arts facilities and modernisation of missing facilities at the Punjab Institute of Language, Art and Culture (PILAC). A Theatre Revival Programme would also be launched in collaboration with the private sector.

Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman said the government had approved the Punjab Film City Authority Act to revive the film and drama industry. Under the initiative, a state-of-the-art Film City would be established over 150 acres at an estimated cost of Rs 55 billion.

The Film City will feature international-standard studios, sound stages, visual effects (VFX) facilities and post-production laboratories. Pakistan’s first film school will also be established under the project.

The minister said the initiative would help revive Punjab’s cinematic heritage, project a positive image of Pakistan globally, promote literature, arts and creative industries, and contribute significantly to the growth of tourism.