Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah speaks during a press conference on Wednesday. Photo: NNI
KARACHI:
The Sindh Cabinet has approved a comprehensive austerity and fuel saving plan in its meeting with Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah in the chair. Cabinet also approved a series of governance, economic, social protection and education reforms aimed at addressing the prevailing energy situation and strengthening public service delivery across the province.
Provincial Ministers, Advisers, Special Assistants, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah and relevant Administrative Secretaries attended the meeting held at CM House.
Later during a press conference, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam-memon mentioned that the cabinet was considering a 23-point agenda that approved measures related to fiscal discipline, fuel conservation, education reforms, women’s rights, agriculture, healthcare and institutional strengthening.
According to the senior minister, the government approved the launch of austerity measures and fuel savings, which ensures efficient use of energy resources in view of the prevailing economic pressure.
Under the plan, the government has reduced fuel allocations for official vehicles by 50 percent for two months, a move expected to save around Rs 960.55 million. However, operational vehicles such as ambulances, buses and emergency services will be exempt from the restriction. Additionally, 60 percent of official vehicles in government departments will remain on the ground, while departments have been directed to promote carpooling system.
Provincial ministers, advisers and special assistants have voluntarily decided to forgo their salaries and allowances for three months.
Senior civil servants in BS-20 and above earning more than Rs300,000 per month have also been asked to voluntarily waive two days’ salary, except those serving in the health and education sectors.
There will be a complete ban on the purchase of new vehicles until June 2026. Acquisition of IT equipment will only be allowed under the control of the relevant authorities.
The government has also introduced a ban on official foreign visits, except in unavoidable cases. Officials undertaking official travel must travel in economy class.
Government departments have been asked to hold meetings through virtual or online platforms to minimize travel and accommodation expenses.
The government has approved work from home for up to 50 percent of staff on alternate days, except for essential services.
These measures will not apply to the banking sector, industry and agriculture, which will continue its normal operations.
High schools and universities will switch to 100 percent online classes during this period.
The number of guests allowed at wedding parties and public gatherings has been limited to 200, with the one-dish rule strictly enforced.
The Cabinet also approved the landmark Student Attendance Monitoring and Redress System (SAMRS) policy, a technology-based initiative designed to address student absenteeism and rising dropout rates.
In order to stabilize wheat supply and prices, the Cabinet approved the expansion of the wheat release policy to include private traders in addition to flour mills and chakkis.
Licensed dealers will receive wheat at a government notified rate of Rs 8,000. per 100 kg bag. About 300,115 tonnes of wheat is currently available for release, which could generate Rs30.398 billion in sales and help reduce the province’s wheat debt of Rs109.405 billion.
The cabinet approved the allotment of four hectares of government land in Deh Khanto, Taluka Ibrahim Hyderi, District Malir, for the establishment of a nursing school attached to the Hasan Suleman Memorial Hospital.
In addition, the cabinet approved Rs2.14 billion in financial support for the hospital following an expansion of its covered area from 250,000 to 325,000 square feet and an increase in construction costs.
The 312-bed tertiary hospital, located on the National Highway (N-5), will provide specialized healthcare services to residents of Karachi and surrounding districts. The CM said the funding will be released from the financial year 2026-27, subject to a matching contribution from the Hasan Suleman Foundation.
The Cabinet approved the Sindh Women Agricultural Workers Rules, 2026, developed with technical assistance from the International Labor Organization.
The rules formally recognize women’s contributions in agriculture, livestock and fishing, and ensure equal pay, maternity benefits and protection against harassment and discrimination.
Agricultural worker card for worker registration and establishment of a BWSP grant fund with an initial allocation of Rs 500 million. in support of female agricultural workers.
