Punjab govt sets aside Rs 5.5b for sports

The Punjab government has set aside 5500 million rupees for sports in the province for the fiscal year 2026-27

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jun, 2026) The Punjab government has set aside 5500 million rupees for sports in the province for the fiscal year 2026-27.

In his budget speech during the Punjab Assembly session with Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan in the chair here on Tuesday, Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman has said that youth, sports and youth empowerment have been the government's priorities in the provincial budget.

He said special significance has been given to sports as youth are a valuable asset and a bright future for any nation.

"Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has declared the fiscal year 2026-27 as “Youth Year”, adding that measures can be taken under an inclusive and organized strategy to develop sports in the province.

The provincial minister said, the government has earmarked 100 billion rupees for a historic project which will soon be launched. He said main goal of this program is youth empowerment, whetting their capabilities and providing them extensive opportunities for employment, businesses, and cutting-edge skills. The project would be one of its kind and the first componative packages for young men. He said skilled projects will be executed in different fields.

Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, during the budget speech, said journey of development of a country cannot be complete unless youth are provided quality education, skill education and better employment opportunities.

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He said under the same vision the development of the youth is among its top priorities.

Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman said, in the field of sports and youth affairs during the fiscal year 2025-26, lasting measures have been taken by the Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Meanwhile, 42 old sports installations worth Rs. 9 billion 53 crore, rehabilitation and upgradation projects have been completed.

Likewise 25 innovative multi-purpose sports under the “Play Punjab” program facilities have been established while two athletic tracks were also constructed in Chakwal and Bahawalpur.

The Finance Minister said for the promotion of sports and the betterment of Infrastructure in the upcoming fiscal year more schemes worth Rs 60 crore have been proposed to increase sports activities in the province.

Regarding the cultural sector, Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman said that the culture is identity, and reflects history and tradition of a nation, that's why the Punjab government is paying special attention to this department. He said Artists' financial assistance has been increased by 100% in this fiscal year.

He added that several important projects will be introduced in the cultural sector in the next fiscal year including Al-Hamra Institute of Performing and Visual Arts, Al-Hamra Arts academy, PILAC Facilities Improvement and Theatre Revival Program.