Tempers flare as budget battle drags on in SA

The Sindh Assembly on Saturday continued its sixth day of general debate on the provincial budget for the upcoming fiscal year, with senior parliamentarians from both the government and opposition taking part in a charged and often heated discussion.

Provincial cabinet members defended the government's performance, claiming that record development projects have been completed under the Pakistan Peoples Party's (PPP) rule.

Opposition members, however, rejected these claims, arguing that public hardships had increased over the PPP's 18-year rule. They urged the government to abandon confrontation and adopt a culture of dialogue in the broader interest of the province.

Minister for Local Government Syed Nasir Hussain Shah said the government was continuing its development agenda and expected stronger electoral support in the next elections. He said hundreds of schemes had been completed, with improvements in parks, roads and urban services.

He said the solid waste management system had improved, with 15,000 tons of garbage being lifted daily, and added that carbon credit benefits were expected from ongoing reforms.

Meanwhile, opposition members strongly criticised the provincial government, rejecting claims of record development and arguing that public difficulties have increased over the past 18 years of PPP rule.

Speaking on the floor of the House, opposition lawmakers said the government's narrative of progress did not reflect ground realities and urged the treasury benches to move away from confrontation and adopt a politics of dialogue in the broader interest of the province.

Opposition members said repeated claims of improvement in education, health and infrastructure were not supported by visible outcomes for ordinary citizens. They called for greater transparency in development spending and urged the government to focus on measurable improvements in public services.

The Sindh Assembly session was later adjourned till 10am on Sunday.