Transfer of PWD projects to a federal company
criticized, warned that PPP would not support the
federal budget if projects are not returned to Sindh
Staff Reporter
Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Friday unveiled the provincial government’s ambitious Rs3.45 trillion budget, highlighting massive development allocations despite financial constraints, while also condemning Israel’s attack on Iran and accusing the federal government of discriminating against Sindh.
CM Condemns Israel’s Attack, Criticises Opposition
Opening his post-budget press conference, Murad Shah strongly condemned Israel’s recent attack on Iran. He said the Sindh Assembly had swiftly passed a resolution against the aggression. He expressed dismay at the opposition’s resistance during the session, accusing them of politicizing a humanitarian issue.
Sindh Decries Rs105 Billion Cut in Federal Transfers
Shah revealed that Sindh was informed only a day before the budget that Rs105 billion would not be transferred as expected. While Rs1,478.5 billion was received from the divisible pool, Rs422.3 billion remains outstanding. “We hope the funds will be disbursed by June-end,” he said.
Record Rs590 Billion Set for Development
Despite IMF restrictions, Sindh allocated Rs590 billion for development, part of a Rs1 trillion uplift plan, alongside Rs2.15 trillion in current expenditures. Of this, Rs1.1 trillion is earmarked for salaries and pensions, with a 12% raise for lower-grade staff and 10% for upper grades.
Key Sector Boosts: Education, Health, Infrastructure
Education saw an 18% increase, and health an 11% hike. Karachi will receive Rs236 billion for infrastructure under public-private partnerships. Funding for agriculture, irrigation, and local government has also been enhanced.
1.3 Million Homes for Flood Victims Recognised Globally
Shah said 500,000 homes have been built and 850,000 more are under construction for flood-hit families. He compared this to Nepal’s slower post-earthquake recovery, calling Sindh’s effort globally praised.
Rs600 Billion Rural Water Project Launched
To fight waterborne diseases, the CM announced a Rs600 billion water and sanitation plan benefiting 4.5 million villagers. It will be community-run and monitored by NGOs. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari termed it “revolutionary.”
No New Taxes, Several Reductions
“No new taxes were introduced,” Shah said. Instead, the government abolished the entertainment tax, reduced restaurant taxes, and cut the insurance tax from 15% to 5%. Stamp duty on third-party vehicle insurance was slashed to Rs50.
Digital Reforms: Blockchain for Land Records
Land records are being digitized using blockchain in Sukkur and Matli. Free laser levelers will be distributed to small farmers, while cluster farming technology will be promoted.
Education and Health Gains
Sindh will set up 34,000 caste centers and expand services for people with disabilities. Cognitive Remediation Therapy and youth development centers will be introduced. The Sindh Institute of Child Health will lead a new child health network.
Rs20 Billion for K-IV Feeder; Desalination Plant Planned
The K-IV water project has received full funding from Sindh for distribution, while the federal government is responsible for sourcing from Keenjhar Lake. A new 5MGD desalination plant is also in the works.
Job Creation and Recruitment Plan
The CM announced 20,000–25,000 new vacancies in Grades 1–4. Grade 5–7 hires will be done via IBA tests, while Grade 16 and above will also be filled soon.
Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway Funding Halved
Murad Shah criticised the federal government for slashing the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway budget from Rs30 billion to Rs15 billion. Although the Islamic Development Bank has agreed to finance three segments, the federal government declined Sindh’s offer to co-finance.
Major Projects Missing from PSDP
The CM slammed the 18% tax on solar panels and warned that the PPP may not support the federal budget if Sindh’s development rights are ignored. He also criticised Islamabad’s decision to control PWD projects via a new company.
Shahrah-e-Bhutto Inaugurated: ‘A Gift for Karachi’
Later in the day, Murad Ali Shah inaugurated the second phase of the first complete segment of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Expressway (Shahrah-e-Bhutto), calling it a major step for Karachi’s infrastructure.
Expressway to Boost Economic Connectivity
The 38.6-km expressway, connecting DHA and Korangi to the M-9 Motorway near Kathore, features six lanes, six interchanges, and 12 toll plazas. Currently, 80% of the work is complete. Shah said it will enhance transport efficiency and industrial growth.
He was joined by Sharjeel Inam Memon, Nasir Shah, and Senator Waqar Mahdi. The inauguration drew crowds chanting slogans in support of the PPP.
Final Phase to Open by December 2025
Shah said the Quaidabad–Kathore section would open by December 2025. A permanent interchange is planned at Korangi Causeway. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto had inaugurated the first stretch in January 2025.
Port-to-Qayyumabad Link Road Planned
Shah announced plans for a new road linking the Karachi Port to Qayyumabad, backed by local businesses. He warned critics of PPP achievements, saying, “People of Sindh are well aware of our work.”
Federal Discrimination Against Sindh: CM’s Allegations
At the ceremony, Shah alleged Sindh was being treated like a colony. He criticized the transfer of PWD projects to a federal company and warned that PPP would not support the federal budget unless all projects are returned to Sindh.
Land Grabbers Behind Islamabad’s Interference?
The CM blamed “
land mafia” for influencing Islamabad’s move to centralize Sindh projects. “We will not accept Islamabad’s remote control over our development,” he said.
He also denied rumors of dacoit hideouts near Shahrah-e-Bhutto, calling such claims “baseless propaganda.”
Social Reforms, Solar Projects and Climate Action
Shah reiterated the province’s Rs25 billion solarisation drive and said afforestation efforts would be scaled up. On job age limits, he said the SC’s 35-year cap remains unchanged.
Budget-Making and Opposition Role
Shah acknowledged the opposition was not formally consulted but accused them of politicizing issues. He expressed readiness for dialogue but said protests were marred by misinformation.
Poverty and IMF Constraints
He admitted to worsening poverty due to IMF-enforced restrictions but vowed to pursue economic growth. “We are trying to do more with fewer resources,” he said.
