Treasury, opp spar over allocations

MPAs express diverse viewpoints on merits and shortcomings

KARACHI:

The Sindh Assembly witnessed heated arguments on the provincial budget for fiscal year 2024-25 during the third day of debate on Saturday. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle engaged in a lively debate, expressing diverse viewpoints on the budget's merits and shortcomings.

Treasury members, particularly from the PPP, voiced confidence in the budget's ability to address economic challenges while delivering tangible benefits to the people of Sindh.

PPP MPA Hina Dastagir commended Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah for presenting what she described as a 'balanced budget', acknowledging its imperfections yet stressing its positive impacts. She highlighted the government's focus on completing infrastructure projects and enhancing educational facilities, particularly in rural areas like Tharparkar.

Mehmood Alam Jamot spoke about the PPP's efforts in advancing public welfare through various developmental initiatives, including infrastructure projects and agricultural improvements. He stressed the importance of completing ongoing projects and addressing environmental concerns such as solid waste management.

Opposition MPAs, however, expressed reservations and criticised the budgetary allocations, particularly highlighting what they see as neglect of Karachi's developmental needs.

MQM-Pakistan's legislators, including Sheikh Abdullah and Naseer Khan, slammed the budget for allegedly failing to address critical issues such as healthcare and infrastructure in urban areas like Karachi and Sarjani Town. They also questioned the allocation of funds, accusing the government of insufficiently utilising resources meant for Karachi's development.

The debate also involved specific constituency needs, with MPAs raising concerns over healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and infrastructure projects that remained incomplete or neglected in various districts of Sindh. Calls for increased allocations in healthcare, education, and public transportation underlined the broader demand for equitable development across rural and urban areas alike.

While referring to 'past achievements', PPP MPAs highlighted their government's track record in improving health and education sectors post the 18th Constitutional Amendment, attributing increased budgetary allocations to local governance improvements. They defended their party's developmental priorities, citing projects aimed at enhancing public services and infrastructure.

Amidst procedural interruptions and passionate exchanges, Speaker Owais Qadir Shah maintained order, ensuring that discussions remained focused on budgetary matters. Tensions occasionally flared, particularly when remarks were termed inflammatory or politically charged, prompting the speaker to intervene and restore decorum.

While the Sindh Assembly session adjourned, the debate underscored the divergent perspectives shaping provincial policies. Government assurances of inclusive growth clashed with opposition accusations of regional neglect, highlighting ongoing challenges in balancing developmental priorities across the province.