Rs1tr development budget for 2025-26 unveiled

Rs85.5b set aside for major Karachi projects; CM orders strict monitoring of schemes

KARACHI:

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Thursday approved a record Rs1.018 trillion development budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 during a high-level review meeting of the provincial development portfolio held at the CM House.

Of the total outlay, Rs85.5 billion has been earmarked for major Karachi projects under the Local Government Department. These include key water and sewerage schemes such as K-IV, KWSSIP-II, Hub Canal rehabilitation, new storm-water drains, and 228 related projects. CM Shah directed Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah to regularly review progress on all schemes and ensure timely release of funds. He said the Sindh government remains committed to climate-resilient, equitable and inclusive development that strengthens public services, protects vulnerable communities and accelerates progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Development Strategy 2025-26

The chief minister said the provincial strategy focuses on developing climate-resilient infrastructure - including buildings, roads and housing - along with restoring flood-damaged health and education facilities. It also prioritises improving agricultural productivity through climate-smart practices, strengthening value chains, enhancing irrigation and water conservation, expanding access to safe drinking water and modern sewerage services, and improving connectivity between towns and cities. He said development of mass transit systems for urban centres, expansion of social protection programmes, and inclusive growth aligned with SDGs remain central components of the strategy.

Key ADP programmes

Officials briefed the meeting that 293 WASH and municipal service schemes worth Rs85.5b are included in the portfolio. Major Karachi initiatives such as K-IV, KWSSIP-II, Hub Canal, and storm-water drain projects are also part of the plan. Under the SPHF, WASH facilities will be developed in 5,100 villages.

Roads and infrastructure

The Works and Services Department is executing 620 ongoing road projects across Sindh. Major Karachi schemes include the Korangi Causeway Bridge, new underpasses, the Lyari Transformation Package, and upgrades under the CLICK programme. Rehabilitation of 970km of flood-affected roads is also underway.

Transport and mass transit

The meeting reviewed progress on the BRT Red Line and BRT Yellow Line, expansion of intra-city bus fleets and increasing the number of electric bikes for women. CM Shah directed Transport Minister Sharjeel Memon to submit a summary for additional electric buses and motorcycles.

Energy

Finance officials briefed the CM that required funds have been released for the Sindh Solar Energy Project and various solar home system initiatives launched under the Rs25b Special Initiative for Renewable Energy.

Social sector

CM Shah reviewed the Rs86b Sindh School Rehabilitation Project along with expansion plans for DHQ/THQ hospitals, trauma centres, new health facilities, Sukkur Women's University, medical colleges and education reforms. He said he would personally inspect ongoing development works to monitor quality and pace.