RAWALPINDI:
The Punjab government has directed all public sector bodies to eliminate non-essential expenditure and transfer surplus financial deposits to the provincial treasury, citing increased social spending, public relief measures and a shortfall in revenue targets.
Under the directive, development authorities, Parks and Horticulture Authorities (PHA), Water and Sanitation Agencies (WASA), waste management companies and other public entities across the province have been instructed to withhold funds only for salaries, pensions, utilities and critical emergency operations, and remit remaining balances to the government.
The authorities have also been asked to submit schedules for the repayment of outstanding obligations.
The decision was taken at a meeting held in Lahore under the chairmanship of Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Zaman Akhtar, which was attended by heads and representatives of development authorities and public undertakings from across the province.
Participants presented their financial positions, including essential expenses, ongoing and future development projects, and details of funds held in bank accounts.
