Sindh Minister of Chief Murad Ali Shah criticized the federal government for not fulfilling his financial obligations to the province, promising improved development and relief measures in the budget 2025–26.
In a speech at a press conference after the budget on Saturday, Shah said the provincial budget amounted to RS3.45 trillion, with a record RS1,018 trillion assigned to development projects.
He warned that these figures could change, depending on whether the federal government fulfills its income transfer obligations.
He announced that 1,460 development schemes worth RS590 billion will be completed this financial year. This marks a record for the province.
At wages in the public sector, Shah confirmed an increase of 12% for grades in grades 1–16 and a 10% increase for those in grade 17-22. The total cost of wages and pensions reaches RS1.1 trillion.
Sector -wise, education has seen an increase of 18%in the budget distribution, healthcare 11%, local authorities 5%and energy 16.5%. The transport department will receive RS 59.6 billion, while agriculture will receive $ 22.5 billion. RS132 billion is earmarked for local organs and RS43 billion for irrigation.
For Karachi alone, a dedicated budget of RS236 billion is awarded-EKKL. RS95 billion public-private partnership projects are already underway.
CM made bold requirements regarding rehabilitation efforts for flooded areas where they said 500,000 houses have been completed, 850,000 are close to completion and 1.3 million are under construction. He said that international institutions, including the World Bank, have recognized the effort as a global success model.
He also quoted a massive rural drainage and water supply initiative to a value of RS600 billion, which will be locally implemented and NGO-monitored.
In taxation, Shah declared that no new taxes have been introduced. In fact, more taxes have been removed, including restaurant and entertainment fees. Third -party motorcycle insurance is exempt, stamp tasks reduced and several administrative fees halved.
In agriculture, CM announced free laser levels to small farmers and an 80% subsidy for large cultivators. He also introduced cluster breeding as a new model. The Sindh Institute of Child Health was described as the world’s largest such network. Initiatives for people with disabilities, youth development centers and new school schedules were also revealed.
Shah openly criticized the federal government for excluding larger SINDH projects — such as the K-IV water supply project, desalination system and other energy-related infrastructure-from Federal Public Sector Development Program (PSDP). He warned that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) would not support the federal budget if Sindh does not receive a reasonable share.
“We are not part of the federal coalition that only offers conditional support. If Sindh is not treated equally, we will withdraw our support,” he said.
Shah defended the purchase of helicopters and official vehicles, adding that a ban on new vehicle purchases would be enforced from next year.
The end of its address said CM that the Sindh government is working with a clear direction and intention of public welfare – as reflected in the increased public mandate at the last election.
