The Sindh Assembly on Monday continued its general debate on the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, with treasury and opposition members trading barbs as proceedings were marred by protests and expunged remarks. The session, chaired by Speaker Awais Qadir Shah, also passed a condolence resolution for PPP MPA Naeem Kharal, who passed away a day earlier, paying tribute to his services to democracy and the party.
Tensions Flare Over Remarks
Tensions flared during the debate when remarks by an MQM-Pakistan lawmaker triggered a strong protest from PPP members, forcing the chair to order the deletion of the comments from the official record. The exact nature of the remarks was not disclosed, but they were deemed inflammatory by the ruling party.
Minister Defends Provincial Budget
Taking part in the debate, Industries and Commerce Minister Jam Ikramullah Dharejo defended the provincial budget, saying it had been presented despite challenging economic conditions. He said Sindh had contributed around Rs260 billion to the federation under the NFC Award, terming it a significant contribution. He criticised the federal government for what he described as "persistent injustices" against Sindh, particularly pointing to gas load-shedding and the lack of motorway infrastructure. He added that repeated promises on the Sukkur-Hyderabad motorway remained unfulfilled and proposed the creation of a provincial motorway authority. Dharejo also highlighted water scarcity in the province and rejected calls for handing Karachi over to the federation, terming such demands against Sindh's interests. He warned that any move to discontinue the Benazir Income Support Programme would be anti-people.
Social Welfare Initiatives Highlighted
Social Welfare Minister Mir Tariq Talpur said the government had introduced senior citizen cards and established shelter homes, including one in Karachi, with plans to expand across the province. He added that the child protection helpline had received over 270,000 calls and was operational in 30 districts. Talpur said over 8,000 drug addicts had been treated in collaboration with the Anti-Narcotics Force, while also blaming ethnic politics as a major hurdle to Karachi's development.
Development Schemes and Higher Education
Zakat and Auqaf Minister Riaz Shah Shirazi said 35 development schemes were underway in his department, with 14 already completed. He said all remaining schemes would be completed in the next fiscal year, adding that funds had been allocated for a protective embankment from Gharo to Ali Bandar to counter sea intrusion. Universities and Boards Minister Muhammad Ismail Rahoo said Sindh had significantly expanded its higher education sector, increasing the number of universities from 10 before 2008 to 30, while student enrollment had risen to over 137,000.
Opposition Criticism and Allegations
Opposition members, particularly from MQM-Pakistan sharply criticised the government over urban issues. Party lawmaker Arsalan Pervez highlighted Karachi's crumbling infrastructure, sewerage problems and alleged land encroachments, calling the budget "a web of words". Another MQM-Pakistan legislator, Farhan Ansari, alleged large-scale corruption in the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Red Line project, claiming costs had surged to Rs80 billion. His remarks sparked uproar after he referred to "bodies in sacks", prompting PPP lawmakers to protest and demand action. The chair later expunged the remarks, while the provincial home minister ordered an inquiry.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers also criticised the government, citing gas shortages despite Sindh being a major producer, lack of development funds, and alleged political bias. They demanded a 15% increase in government employees' salaries.
PPP Defends Budget
PPP members, however, defended the budget, terming it people-centric and highlighting investments in health, education and infrastructure. They rejected opposition criticism and reiterated that Karachi remained an integral part of Sindh. The session is ongoing and will continue on Tuesday.
