CM Murad unveils Rs3.56tr Sindh budget, raises salaries and minimum wage

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday presented the province’s Rs3.562 trillion budget for the 2026-27 financial year amid protests and noisy scenes from opposition lawmakers in the provincial assembly.

The session was chaired by Sindh Assembly Speaker Awais Qadir Shah. Opposition and Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) lawmakers protested as the chief minister began his budget speech, demanding an opportunity to address the house.

The speaker told the protesting members that they could stage a walkout if they did not wish to listen to the speech, but otherwise should return to their seats and participate in the budget proceedings.

He added that the entire nation was watching the proceedings and that lawmakers must play a responsible role in promoting public welfare.

Opening his budget speech, CM Murad said presenting his 11th consecutive budget was both an honour and a major responsibility.

The chief minister further announced that the agricultural super tax rate had been reduced from 10% to 8%, while social protection initiatives included the Kitchen Garden Programme, Benazir Hari Card and Benazir Women Agricultural Workers Programme.

He said that the government allocated Rs6.3 billion for development projects in agriculture and livestock.

“We have ensured the protection of Sindh’s share in the NFC Award with the federal government, and the journey of public welfare and development in the province will continue,” he said.

The budget proposed a 7% increase in the salaries and pensions of Sindh government employees. The provincial government also announced the merger of the 2022 and 2025 ad hoc relief allowances.

The minimum monthly wage in the province was increased from Rs40,000 to Rs43,000.

Earlier, the Sindh cabinet approved the provincial budget. According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s House, CM Murad chaired the provincial cabinet’s budget meeting, which was attended by provincial ministers, advisers, special assistants, the chief secretary, secretaries and senior officials.

“The cabinet approved the Sindh Budget 2026-27, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive development, poverty reduction and public welfare. Special measures have been introduced under the guidance of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, including support for workers through an increase in the minimum wage,” the statement said.

According to Chief Minister’s Spokesperson Abdul Rasheed Channa, the cabinet also praised CM Murad’s efforts to carry out record development work during the current 2025-26 financial year.

“We will continue to serve the people under the guidance of the PPP leadership. God willing, we will undertake even more work for the people of Sindh in the new financial year,” CM Murad said.

The chief minister said the new budget had been prepared with the interests of all sections of society in mind, adding that the provincial government was taking special measures to reduce poverty under the direction of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

CM Murad said the provincial government had also decided to increase the minimum wage for workers in the new budget.

The cabinet meeting also highlighted that education and health remain top priorities in the development agenda. According to the CM House, for the education sector, Rs50.12 billion had been allocated under the development programme, while the health sector had been allocated Rs38.89 billion, with multiple ongoing schemes included.