The Sukkur District Council on Wednesday approved a Rs5.396 billion budget for fiscal year 2026-27, with a projected deficit of Rs204.313 million. Chairman Syed Kumail Haider Shah presented the budget, his fourth in succession, which was passed by a majority vote.
Budget Breakdown and Revenue Sources
According to budget documents, total estimated expenditure is Rs5.600 billion. The council expects Rs1.391 billion from the Sindh government’s share of Octroi and Zila Tax (OZT), while Rs4.225 billion has been set aside for development projects across the district.
Chairman Shah stated that the budget was prepared under the PPP’s “public-oriented manifesto” and on the guidance of party leadership. He termed it a “balanced and people-friendly” plan.
Priorities and Fiscal Discipline
The chairman said the council had prioritised basic civic services, particularly in rural areas of Sukkur, over the last three years. He described the budget as a “road-map” for the poor, labourers, farmers, students and persons with disabilities.
Fiscal discipline measures include reduced non-development spending and clearance of long-pending liabilities for pensions, leave encashment and retirement benefits. Health, education and infrastructure have received significant allocations.
He cited ongoing welfare initiatives such as youth employment schemes, the women’s Scooty Programme, electric vehicle buses, and the “Ho Jamalo” train service linking Sukkur and Rohri.
Tourism and New Services
Announcing a new allocation on the Chief Minister’s directives, Mr. Shah said Rs1 billion had been earmarked for tourism. Resorts will be built at scenic sites along the Indus River to promote district tourism.
The council has also introduced an Air Ambulance Service and a Ferry Service, and provided financial assistance to the Children’s Hospital, NICVD and Civil Hospital Sukkur. Shah noted that an air ambulance was not available at the time of journalist Shaheed Jan Muhammad Mahar’s fatal injury, but the service is now operational.
Education and Infrastructure
On education, he said five candidates supported under the council’s CSS programme have qualified the examination and are serving as government officers.
Infrastructure updates included completion of a clean drinking water project in Rohri, with a similar scheme for Sukkur city to start soon. He added that the Sindh government had approved Rs2.5 billion in development schemes for Sukkur, while Town Committees received Rs5 billion each.
Projects completed include beautification, digital gateways, free Wi-Fi, and solarisation of Civil Hospital Sukkur. A free pick-and-drop wheel transport service for Ho Jamalo train passengers was also announced.
Umrah Draw and Meeting Attendees
During the session, a draw selected five council members for Umrah including Muharram Ali, a disabled member, Ms. Abida Memon, Lal Dino, Waseem Ahmed, and Gul Bahar Indhar.
The meeting was attended by Vice Chairman Akhtar Khan Mahar, Deputy Mayor Dr Arshad Mughal, and Chief Officer Zafar Iqbal Mughal.
Committee briefings were given by Sardar Taqi Khan Dharejo, Nabi Bux Jiskani, Syed Mohsin Abbas Shah, Safiullah, Arz Muhammad Mirani, Sardar Tariq Khan Panhwar, Ms. Shabani Khaki, Ameer Bux Mahar, Jagar Khan Keeryo, Abdullah Qudoos Baloch, Mir Ejaz Khan Talpur and others on water projects, paver blocks, street lighting, sanitation and public welfare schemes.
