Sindh to unveil Rs1t budget for 2025-26

Salary, pension likely to rise by 10 and seven per cent

KARACHI:

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah will present the provincial budget worth Rs1,018 billion in the Sindh Assembly today (Friday). The development budget allocation is proposed to rise from Rs493 billion to Rs520 billion, and Rs55 billion may be allocated for district-level development projects.

Acting Governor of Sindh Awais Qadir Shah has summoned a session of the Sindh Assembly at 3pm. Prior to the assembly session, the provincial cabinet will meet at 10am to approve the budget for the new fiscal year 2025-26.

According to sources, the Sindh budget is expected to include an increase in the tax collection rate. Government employees may receive a 10 per cent salary increase, while pensions are likely to be raised by seven per cent. The new fiscal year is also expected to see the launch of new transportation projects, and the overall development budget has been increased.

The budget anticipates Rs366 billion in foreign funding and Rs76 billion from the federal Annual Development Programme (ADP). The non-development budget is projected at Rs two trillion. Out of this, Rs400 billion will be allocated to 3,642 development projects, including Rs331 billion for 3,161 incomplete projects and Rs119 billion for 481 new development schemes.

After transferring funds from the current fiscal year, the total annual development programme will reach Rs 1,264 billion. In comparison, the development budget for the current year was Rs 1,165 billion. Full funding will be released for 1,350 projects. Of the 27 projects funded by foreign donors, Rs 366 billion has been allocated, including Rs 44 billion as the Sindh government's share. Additionally, the federal government will provide Rs 76 billion as matching funds for 10 projects.

Sector-wise allocations include Rs 102 billion for education, Rs 45 billion for health, Rs 83 billion for irrigation, and Rs 132 billion for local govts. The works and services sector is allocated Rs 143 billion, while the energy sector will receive Rs 36 billion. Additionally, Rs 22 billion has been set aside for agriculture and livestock, Rs 59 billion for transport, Rs 24 billion for public health engineering, and Rs six billion for culture, tourism, sports, and youth affairs.

Furthermore, Rs 160 billion is proposed for various departmental development schemes. This includes 1,168 schemes across 10 departments such as home, agriculture, prisons, and energy. Rs 80 billion is suggested for 675 schemes under the Works and Services Department, including jails. The Home Department may receive Rs 11 billion, Health Rs 51 billion, and School Education Rs eight billion.

In addition, Rs 9.7 billion is proposed for 60 schemes in Agriculture, Supply, and Prices; Rs 4.9 billion for 38 schemes in Livestock and Fisheries; and Rs 2.8 billion for 44 schemes in Culture, Tourism, Archives, and Antiquities. For Sports and Youth Affairs, 210 schemes may receive Rs 6.5 billion.

The Services, General Administration, and Coordination Department may get Rs 39 billion for 77 schemes. Rs 1.8 billion is proposed for Industries and Commerce, while Rs 0.4 billion is set aside for two schemes in the Investment Department. The Energy Department is suggested to receive Rs 12.8 billion for 16 schemes, and Rs 12.7 billion is planned for 28 schemes under the Planning and Development Department.