KARACHI: The Sindh Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, has approved a wide-ranging development and financial package aimed at improving public services, infrastructure, and governance across the province. The cabinet meeting held at CM House in Karachi on Tuesday included provincial ministers, advisers, and senior officials, confirming decisions on multiple sectors including public transport, policing, social welfare, IT infrastructure, and energy.
One of the key decisions of the meeting was the approval of nearly Rs1 billion for the procurement and operation of public transport buses in Karachi under a non-ADP scheme. The move aims to enhance the city’s public transport network and reduce traffic congestion. Local government minister Sharjeel Memon confirmed that double-decker buses will soon roll out across Karachi, improving commuting options for residents. Additionally, Rs1 billion was sanctioned for the production of films, dramas, and documentaries to raise public awareness, while Rs5.84 billion was approved for procurement of arms and ammunition to strengthen the Sindh Police’s operational capacity.
The cabinet also approved multiple social and cultural initiatives, including funding for sports events like the IMC Over-40s T20 Cricket World Cup, grants for SOS Children’s Village in Tharparkar, and support for cultural festivals including the 10th Adab Festival. Emergency water supply projects in Malir, road infrastructure improvements such as an additional ramp at Korangi Causeway, and the renovation of a government girls’ school in Saddar were also cleared.
A major highlight of the meeting was the approval of procurement of a heritage building on MA Jinnah Road, Karachi, for the establishment of the Sindh IT Tower. The Rs1.5 billion project will serve as a hub for digital innovation, incubation, training, and centralized government IT operations, with structural safety certification and heritage compliance reviews already completed.
On the wheat front, the cabinet approved a revision of the Wheat Release Policy for 2025–26, lowering the government wheat issue price from Rs9,500 to Rs8,000 per 100 kg bag for flour mills, traders, and chakkies, ensuring market stability and affordable flour prices. A sub-committee was constituted to monitor prices and recommend adjustments if necessary.
The cabinet also approved the Regulatory Framework for Internal Audit under the Sindh Public Finance Administration Act, 2020, creating 45 Chief Internal Audit Officer posts to strengthen financial discipline and transparency. In the energy sector, over Rs6.6 billion was allocated as Sindh’s share for the Islamkot–Chorr railway line and related Thar coal transport projects, improving coal connectivity to power plants and industrial consumers.
Other decisions included amendments to the Sindh Safe Cities Authority Act, the Thar Coal and Energy Board Act, extension of Sindh Revenue Board Chairman Dr Wasif Memon’s tenure by two years, judicial appointments to the Sindh Human Rights Commission, and relief payments of Rs573.42 million for delays in the M9–N5 Link Road Project.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah emphasized timely utilization of funds, transparency, and adherence to financial discipline across all departments. The cabinet’s approvals reflect a comprehensive strategy to boost Karachi’s infrastructure, governance, and public services, while fostering economic development and social welfare across Sindh.
This package underscores Sindh’s commitment to strengthening public transport, digital infrastructure, law enforcement, and energy connectivity, aiming to improve quality of life for residents and promote sustainable provincial growth.
