KARACHI:
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, concluding the budget debate, termed the opposition’s uproar during the Sindh Assembly session as misconduct. He said that assembly rules were not followed during the budget session, the opposition behaved inappropriately and tried to disrupt his budget speech.
He said the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) holds a clear majority in the house and can pass the budget, but they still want to take everyone along.
The CM claimed that Sindh government is providing services to the public in every sector. He said this time 135 members delivered speeches on the budget and more than 42 hours were allocated for debate, which reflects the democratic process.
Comparing development budgets of other provinces, Murad said, Sindh’s development budget is 30 per cent of the total, which is more than that of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan.
He revealed that at the beginning of the year, the federal government had promised to give Sindh Rs1.9 trillion, but after budget, this amount was reduced to Rs1.796 trillion, which he termed unfair. He mentioned that Sindh collected taxes at a higher rate than federal government.
Speaking on agriculture, the CM raised objections to federal policies regarding agricultural taxes, saying poor decisions led to the need to import wheat. He said that Sindh has set a target of Rs8 billion from agricultural income tax for the next fiscal year.
He listed several initiatives related to education, health, disability support, autism centres, and youth development centres. He also mentioned projects such as the SICH Child Emergency Network, a new IUT in Larkana, new ambulances, and a fisheries support programme.
Murad announced a 10 to 12 per cent increase in government employees’ salaries and an eight per cent increase in pensions. He also declared the abolition of professional and entertainment taxes and tax relief on vehicles.
Refuting media reports that Karachi is being ignored, he highlighted mega projects worth Rs12 billion for the city.
In conclusion, the CM said if God and his party willed, he was ready to remain chief minister for 18 years.
Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi, during his budget speech, strongly criticised the PPP’s 17-year rule. He said the increase in party seats was not due to performance but due to other factors, as public issues have worsened instead of being resolved. He called for the cancellation of failed and delayed projects, saying old schemes are a burden on the ADP.
Khurshidi pointed out the lack of basic facilities in Karachi and poor solid waste management. He said Karachi generates revenue, but the city is not given its due share. He also criticised the federal government, stating Sindh’s rightful share is being withheld.
He further slammed the government over the water crisis, meager allowances for police personnel, and issues related to K-Electric. Khurshidi said the Karachi mayor has full support of the leadership, yet problems remain unresolved.
The session was adjourned until 11am on Tuesday.
