Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah Criticizes Federal Government, Makes Promises to the Public Post-Budget

Karachi: In a post-budget press conference, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah expressed his concerns about the federal government’s lack of support while making key promises to the public. Addressing the media after the presentation of the provincial budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, CM Shah highlighted the priorities, plans, and his government’s commitment to development.
The total provincial budget amounts to 3.45 trillion rupees, with 1,018 billion rupees allocated for development projects. CM Shah emphasized that if the federal government fulfills its promises, these figures could further increase, recalling that last year, the federal government reduced the transfer of funds to Sindh.
This year, Sindh plans to complete development schemes worth 590 billion rupees, with a record 1,460 projects expected to be finished. A significant increase in salaries has also been announced, with a 12% raise for employees in grades 1 to 16 and a 10% increase for those in grades 17 to 22. The total expenditure on salaries and pensions will amount to 1.1 trillion rupees.
The budget also includes an 18% increase in the education sector, 11% in health, 5% in local government, and 16.5% in the energy department. The agricultural development budget has been set at 22.5 billion rupees, while 59.6 billion rupees will be allocated to the transport department. Local governments will receive 132 billion rupees, and 43 billion rupees will be allocated for irrigation projects.
For Karachi, a special budget of 236 billion rupees has been allocated, excluding the 95 billion rupees for ongoing public-private partnership projects.
CM Shah also shared updates on the restoration of flood victims, claiming that 500,000 homes have been completed, 800,000 are near completion, and 1.3 million are under construction. This initiative has been hailed as one of the most successful models by international organizations, including the World Bank.
In the agriculture sector, the government has announced the provision of free laser levellers to small farmers, 80% subsidies for large farmers, and the introduction of cluster farming. The Sindh Institute of Child Health’s network has been recognized as the largest in the world, and new initiatives to support disabled individuals and youth development centers have also been outlined.
Criticizing the federal government’s approach to several projects, including the K-4 water project, desalination plants, and solar tax, CM Shah noted that Sindh’s projects had been excluded from the federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). He made it clear that while Sindh supports the federal government, the PPP will not support the federal budget if Sindh’s share is not equal to other provinces.
CM Shah concluded by stating that the Sindh government is committed to the welfare of the people, citing the increased public support in the last elections as a testament to its effectiveness. He also clarified the use of helicopters and government vehicles, announcing a ban on purchasing vehicles in the coming year.