KARACHI: Sindh presented a Rs3,451.87 billion budget for the fiscal year 2025–26 on Friday, amid loud protests and outcry by opposition parties.
Addressing the budget session of the Sindh Assembly, CM Murad Ali Shah, who also has a portfolio of Finance Minister, proposed a 10 to 12% increase in government employee salaries, allocating a significantly higher development outlay of Rs1,018 billion.
Education and Health
Murad Ali Shah announced that Rs523.73 billion has been earmarked for the education sector and Rs326.5 billion for health services in the upcoming fiscal year.
New Development Schemes
CM Murad Ali Shah stated that 475 new development schemes, including renewable energy and clean drinking water projects, would be launched across flood-affected and underdeveloped areas.
Special Emphasis on Karachi Development
He said that the budget 2025–26 gives special emphasis to Karachi’s development with major infrastructure projects have been included to improve the city’s roads, sewage, and water supply systems.
Expansion of Urban Transport in Karachi
“Funds have been allocated for the expansion of urban transport in Karachi as Pakistan’s first fleet of 50 electric buses will be launched in the city”, he said. “An additional 100 electric buses will be added to the Karachi fleet by August”.
“The new budget reflects our commitment to inclusive development and urban modernization, especially in Karachi,” he said.
Allocation for Local Governments
“Under the annual development programme, Rs99.6 billion allocated for education, Rs45.37 billion allocated for healthcare, Rs73.9 billion set aside for irrigation-related initiatives and Rs132 billion allocated for local governments”, the chief minister added.
Sector-wise Allocations:
Education Rs. 102.8 billion, Health: Rs. 45.4 billion, Irrigation: Rs. 84 billion, Local Government: Rs. 132 billion, Works & Services: Rs. 143 billion, Energy (including Thar Coal and renewable): Rs. 36.3 billion, Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries: Rs. 22.5 billion, Transport & Mass Transit: Rs. 59.7 billion
Before presentation of the budget earlier, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah presided over Pre-Budget cabinet meeting at the CM House.
The CM Sindh chairing pre-budget cabinet meeting okayed proposals for 2025-26 budget.
Budget set at Rs3451.87bn.
Whereas, the focus on public priorities & relief for govt employees. The budget proposals gathered from across Sindh on Chairman Bilawal BhuttoZardari directive.
