KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has criticised the federal government for failing to meet its financial obligations, warning that the province’s Rs3.45 trillion budget for 2025–26 could face adjustments if revenue transfers are delayed.
Speaking at a post-budget press conference, Shah highlighted a record Rs1.018 trillion development allocation, but cautioned that these plans hinge on the federal government fulfilling its commitments.
He announced the completion of 1,460 development schemes worth Rs590 billion within the fiscal year — the highest in Sindh’s history. Public sector employees will see a pay raise, with a 12% increase for grades 1–16 and a 10% hike for grades 17–22, pushing salary and pension expenses to Rs1.1 trillion.
Sectoral increases include 18% for education, 11% for health, 5% for local government, and 16.5% for energy. Transport has been allocated Rs59.6 billion, agriculture Rs22.5 billion, local bodies Rs132 billion, and irrigation Rs43 billion.
Karachi will receive Rs236 billion in dedicated funds, excluding Rs95 billion in ongoing public-private partnership (PPP) projects.
Shah also emphasised progress in flood rehabilitation, claiming 500,000 homes have been completed, 850,000 are near completion, and 1.3 million are under construction. He noted the World Bank and other international bodies have praised the program as a global model.
