Punjab's spending focus remains on social sector.

LAHORE -- The PML-N-led coalition government in Punjab has decided to continue its political rival PTI's flagship universal health insurance programme or Insaf Sehat Card by allocating a hefty amount of over Rs127 billion in its first Annual Development Plan worth Rs685bn announced for 2022-23 on Wednesday.

Before coming into power on April 16, the PML-N had been critical of the health insurance scheme terming it an attempt to appease the PTI supporters in the private sector healthcare.

Overall, the social sector has claimed the lion's share of 40 per cent in the ADP, which is 22pc more than last year's Rs560bn. At least 24pc of the ADP has been earmarked for infrastructure development, 6pc for production and 2pc for the Services sector, while 28pc funds have been set aside for other programmes and special initiatives for 2022-23.

The government says that public investment-led economic growth, inclusive and balanced regional development, a transformation of the agriculture sector, human development through better skills, strengthening compliance with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring water and food security, support for public-private partnership (PPP), improving amenities through district development package were the guiding principles for deciding the next year's ADP.

Sets aside Rs127bn for PTI's signature Insaf Card initiative

Quoting a survey which reveals that 42pc households in south Punjab are poor as compared with 19pc in the rest of Punjab, the government will be focusing on 'regional equalization' through the 35pc (Rs240bn) Ring Fencing budget for the backward southern belt of the province. This allocation includes 31.5bn for a sustainable development programme, Rs2.879bn for a poverty alleviation project, Rs0.4bn for reducing stunting among children, Rs250 million for establishing futsal courts.

Foreign investment will be attracted to Vehari, Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawalpur industrial estates, where special portions will be developed as Special Economic...