RAWALPINDI:
The Punjab government has directed all public bodies to eliminate non-essential expenditure and transfer excess financial contributions to the provincial treasury, citing rising welfare expenditure, 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 retain funds only for salaries, pensions, utility services and critical emergency operations and to transfer remaining balances to the government.
The authorities have also been asked to submit schedules for repayment of outstanding liabilities.
The decision was taken at a meeting in Lahore chaired by Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Zaman Akhtar, attended by leaders and representatives of development authorities and public enterprises from across the province.
Participants presented their financial position, including significant expenses, ongoing and future development projects and details of funds held in bank accounts.
