The Sindh Assembly witnessed sharp exchanges between treasury and opposition lawmakers during the post-budget debate, focusing on Karachi's share in development spending, allegations of corruption, ethnic politics, and administrative failures. A total of 127 lawmakers spoke over four days, including six ministers, though the atmosphere remained largely calm compared to previous sittings.
Education Minister Calls for Revision of Hate Curriculum
Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah urged members from both sides to support a revision of what he termed the curriculum of hate. He emphasized that both Sindhi-speaking and Urdu-speaking Sindhis are integral parts of the province. "They belong here and cannot go anywhere else," he said, noting that attempts to fan hate politics and talk of dividing Sindh are not new, predating the formation of the MQM.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah added that this point was raised by Mahmood-ul-Haq Usmani in 1951 and later by Nawab Muzaffar. "If this narrative continues, how will those who consider Sindh their mother accept it?" he asked. He stressed that Karachi is an inseparable part of Sindh and clarified that "Karachi collects tax; it does not generate tax." He also reported a decline in out-of-school children and announced a Student Attendance Monitoring System with World Bank support, noting collaboration with Nadra for B-Form data.
Opposition Criticizes PPP's 18-Year Rule
Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) member Abdul Waseem criticized the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for its 18-year rule, questioning the utilization of past funds. He noted that World Bank money is being spent on Karachi projects but asked where tax revenue generated in the city is going.
Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho said several reforms introduced this year will show full results in two years. She highlighted that vascular surgery has begun at the Karachi Trauma Centre, and 50-bed hospitals have been expanded in Ancholi, Gulberg, and Gulshan-i-Hadeed. "Efforts are under way to set up a maternity home at the Children's Hospital in Korangi No 5," she added. She also noted that the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) provides excellent services in Karachi and Sukkur, and chest pain units are being established in all districts.
Agriculture Minister Reports Record Wheat Production
Agriculture Minister Sardar Muhammad Bux Mahar emphasized the need for scientific agricultural development, reporting a record wheat production of 4.9 million metric tons due to subsidies on fertilizer and seed.
Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) member Muhammad Farooq stated that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and other agencies collected Rs7,000 billion in taxes in 2025-26, with Karachi contributing 85 to 90 percent. "Karachi wants its rights. Neither the province nor the federation treats Karachi as a priority," he said. He pointed out that of the Rs720 billion Annual Development Programme (ADP), only Rs100 billion was allocated to Karachi, whereas its share by population should be Rs400 billion. He warned that the K-IV project requires Rs40 billion and that old water lines cannot carry its water. He also noted that the S-III project is worth Rs32 billion but only Rs1 billion was allocated. Farooq called for an empowered city government under Article 140-A and demanded an immediate end to the quota system, which he said has kept Karachi's youth out of jobs.
Infrastructure and Livestock Developments Highlighted
Prisons Minister Ali Hassan Zardari said that 80 km of roads in Tando Muhammad Khan, 120 km in Thatta, and 26 km from Naushahro Feroze to Padidan have been completed, along with the Talhar-Tando Bago road. He added that five major schemes are included in the next budget and Rs32 billion will be spent on ongoing projects.
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) member Rehan Rajput acknowledged good work in health but said spending on institutions is high.
Livestock Minister Muhammad Ali Malkani said Sujawal is among the province's most underdeveloped areas and needs accelerated development. He reported that Sindh's livestock population has crossed 60 million and 23.3 million small animals have been vaccinated.
Adviser on Rehabilitation Giyan Chand Essrani said Rescue 1122 receives 24,000 complaints daily and facilitated 225,000 people in a year.
MQM-P Members Raise Local Issues
MQM-P member from Hyderabad, Rashid Khan, said problems in several areas have persisted for years and promises on development funds in the last budget were not fulfilled. He cited staff shortages at Hyderabad Civil Hospital and claimed funds for some schemes were not released, calling for reforms in the bureaucracy and administrative structure.
Najam Mirza of MQM-P said the Provincial Finance Commission Award has not been announced.
MQM-P's Rehan Akram said water lines in North Karachi are being laid without planning, and not a single camera has been installed under the Safe City project since 2016.
Mahesh Kumar Hasija of MQM-P alleged petty corruption in the minorities department and called for a larger raise for low-grade employees.
Later, Speaker Syed Awais Qadir Shah adjourned the house to June 27. The Sindh Assembly approved Rs270.5 billion demands for grants as the government defended its budget.
