Budget focused on public welfare to be unveiled by Sindh's Chief Minister
KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah convened a high-level cabinet meeting with ministers, advisors, and various secretaries on Saturday to discuss budget proposals for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26. The meeting emphasized the government's commitment to inclusive development, poverty alleviation, and sustainable progress.
Opening the session, Shah emphasized the involvement of all cabinet members in shaping the next budget to cater to the needs of the people. The budget will be representative and impactful, in line with the directives of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, he added.
Core focus areas of the new budget include water supply and drainage, solar energy expansion, education, healthcare, agriculture, and industrial growth. The CM stated that this fiscal year, no new schemes would be introduced; instead, resources will be allocated to complete ongoing projects.
Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has reportedly instructed the launch of new initiatives in the upcoming budget that are expected to positively impact the populace. Key efforts include rehabilitation for flood-affected communities, repairs to schools and hospitals, and launching new mega projects through Public-Private Partnerships to increase infrastructure and services.
Other proposals from cabinet members include reducing non-development expenditures, empowering local governments for financial self-reliance, introducing digital cash transfers with incentives, expanding solid waste management and solar energy systems, and constructing new bus stands in several districts to enhance public transportation.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of federal-provincial coordination, ensuring that the budget is based on the federal government's funding commitments and the Sindh government's revenue targets to maintain fiscal responsibility and efficiency.
Further meetings will reportedly be held after Eid to finalize and approve the budget proposals, with the aim of presenting a transparent, development-oriented budget focused on improving the lives of every Sindh resident. The proactive approach signals Sindh's dedication to sustainable development, social equity, and efficient governance in the coming financial year.
The government plans to expend Rs887 billion for the Sindh budget 2025-26, marking a 7% increase from the previous year, signifying a commitment to development amidst challenging economic conditions. Efforts to prioritize flood rehabilitation and agricultural growth are also expected, along with austerity measures to conserve funds for development initiatives. The province intends to implement canal and watercourse lining projects as part of its focus on water management.
- The Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah, highlighted the importance of incorporating PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's directives into the new budget policies, which include initiatives for flood-affected communities' rehabilitation, school and hospital repairs, and launching new infrastructure projects through Public-Private Partnerships.
- In the upcoming budget discussions, the Sindh government aims to focus on growth sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and industrial development, while emphasizing austere measures to allocate resources for ongoing projects and prioritize flood rehabilitation and agricultural growth, with a goal of improving the general welfare of each Sindh resident.
