Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah criticised the federal government for failing to meet its financial commitments to the province, while promising enhanced development and relief measures in the 2025–26 budget.
Speaking at a post-budget press conference on Saturday, Shah said the provincial budget totalled Rs3.45 trillion, with a record Rs1.018 trillion allocated for development projects.
He warned that these figures could change depending on whether the federal government meets its revenue transfer obligations.
He announced that 1,460 development schemes, worth Rs590 billion, will be completed this fiscal year. This marks a record for the province.
On public sector salaries, Shah confirmed a 12% increase for employees in grades 1–16 and a 10% raise for those in grades 17–22. Total expenditure on salaries and pensions will reach Rs1.1 trillion.
Sector-wise, education has seen an 18% increase in budget allocation, healthcare 11%, local government 5%, and energy 16.5%. The transport department will receive Rs 59.6 billion, while agriculture will get Rs 22.5 billion. Rs132 billion has been earmarked for local bodies and Rs43 billion for irrigation.
For Karachi alone, a dedicated budget of Rs236 billion has been allocated — excluding the Rs95 billion public-private partnership projects already underway.
The CM made bold claims regarding rehabilitation efforts for flood-affected areas, stating that 500,000 houses have been completed, 850,000 are near completion, and 1.3 million are under construction. He said international institutions, including the World Bank, have recognised the effort as a global model of success.
He also cited a massive rural drainage and water supply initiative worth Rs600 billion, which will be locally implemented and NGO-supervised.
On taxation, Shah stated that no new taxes have been imposed. In fact, several taxes have been eliminated, including restaurant and entertainment levies. Third-party motorcycle insurance has been exempted, stamp duties reduced, and numerous administrative fees halved.
In agriculture, the CM announced free laser levellers for small farmers and an 80% subsidy for large-scale cultivators. He also introduced cluster farming as a new model. The Sindh Institute of Child Health was described as the world’s largest such network. Initiatives for persons with disabilities, youth development centres, and new school schemes were also unveiled.
Shah openly criticised the federal government for excluding major Sindh projects — such as the K-IV water supply project, desalination plants, and other energy-related infrastructure — from the federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). He warned that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) would not support the federal budget if Sindh does not receive a fair share.
“We are not part of the federal coalition, only offering conditional support. If Sindh is not treated equally, we will withdraw our backing,” he said.
Shah defended the procurement of helicopters and official vehicles, adding that a ban on new vehicle purchases would be enforced starting next year.
Concluding his address, the CM said the Sindh government is working with clear direction and intent for public welfare — as reflected in the increased public mandate in the last election.
