Business Recorder
LAHORE: Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman has said that the Punjab government is not considering imposing any new taxes to enhance the province’s own-source revenues; instead, it is focusing on industrial expansion, investment promotion, and ease of doing business to strengthen revenue generation. “The upcoming provincial budget will introduce transformative measures for industrial development and economic growth,” he said during a meeting with a delegation of the Restaurant Association here on Saturday. He said that the policy vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif was entirely business-friendly and aimed at promoting economic growth through facilitation rather than additional taxation. He stated that the operational capacity of the Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has been significantly enhanced to facilitate taxpayers and improve service delivery. He noted that PRA is currently operating in 38 districts across the province and has achieved a remarkable 40 percent growth in tax collection. According to him, the revision in restaurant operating hours had been introduced as part of government austerity measures, while temporary restrictions during smog periods were intended solely to protect citizens from the harmful effects of environmental pollution. The Punjab government was pursuing a comprehensive long-term strategy to tackle smog and environmental degradation. Protective measures were being implemented in a manner that minimised disruption to businesses and economic activity. The government was actively encouraging the use of clean fuel and the adoption of electric vehicles to reduce emissions and improve air quality. The Minister made it clear that the government has no intention of shutting down businesses or affecting the livelihoods of citizens. He assured restaurant owners that any complaints regarding the conduct or functioning of PRA officials would be addressed promptly and transparently. He further stated that issues related to input tax adjustment would be resolved through consultations with the Punjab Revenue Authority and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). He also assured the delegation that restaurant operating hours would be reviewed in consultation with stakeholders. He further said that they were paying special attention not only to improving the infrastructure of public institutions but also to enhancing their efficiency and public service delivery. He noted that public complaints regarding government institutions are gradually declining due to ongoing governance reforms and administrative improvements. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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