In a landmark decision for provincial development, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has given his approval to a massive Rs1.018 trillion development budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26. The approval came during a high-level review meeting of the provincial development portfolio held at the CM House on Thursday.
Major Allocation for Karachi Development
Out of the total budget outlay, a significant Rs85.5 billion has been specifically earmarked for major Karachi projects under the Local Government Department. This substantial allocation underscores the government's focus on addressing the metropolitan city's critical infrastructure needs.
The Karachi development package includes several crucial water and sewerage schemes that have been long-awaited by citizens. Key projects receiving funding include the K-IV water project, KWSSIP-II, Hub Canal rehabilitation, new storm-water drains, and 228 related projects aimed at improving municipal services across the city.
Chief Minister Shah directed Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah to maintain regular oversight of all development schemes and ensure the timely release of funds. He emphasized that the Sindh government remains committed to climate-resilient, equitable and inclusive development that strengthens public services, protects vulnerable communities and accelerates progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Comprehensive Development Strategy
The provincial development strategy for 2025-26 focuses on multiple key areas that will transform Sindh's infrastructure and public services. According to CM Shah, the strategy prioritizes developing climate-resilient infrastructure including buildings, roads and housing, along with restoring flood-damaged health and education facilities.
Other strategic priorities include:
- Improving agricultural productivity through climate-smart practices
- Strengthening value chains and enhancing irrigation systems
- Expanding access to safe drinking water and modern sewerage services
- Improving connectivity between towns and cities
- Developing mass transit systems for urban centres
- Expanding social protection programmes
The chief minister stated that inclusive growth aligned with SDGs remains central to the provincial development strategy.
Sector-Wise Development Initiatives
Officials briefing the meeting revealed that 293 WASH and municipal service schemes worth Rs85.5 billion are included in the development portfolio. Under the Sindh Peoples Housing Foundation (SPHF), WASH facilities will be developed in 5,100 villages across the province.
In the transportation sector, significant progress is being made on multiple fronts. The meeting reviewed advancement on the BRT Red Line and BRT Yellow Line projects, expansion of intra-city bus fleets, and increasing the number of electric bikes for women. CM Shah directed Transport Minister Sharjeel Memon to submit a summary for additional electric buses and motorcycles to further modernize the transport system.
The energy sector also received attention, with finance officials confirming that required funds have been released for the Sindh Solar Energy Project and various solar home system initiatives launched under the Rs25 billion Special Initiative for Renewable Energy.
Road infrastructure development continues across Sindh, with the Works and Services Department executing 620 ongoing road projects. Major Karachi schemes include the Korangi Causeway Bridge, new underpasses, the Lyari Transformation Package, and upgrades under the CLICK programme. Additionally, rehabilitation of 970km of flood-affected roads is currently underway.
In the social sector, CM Shah reviewed the Rs86 billion Sindh School Rehabilitation Project along with expansion plans for DHQ/THQ hospitals, trauma centres, new health facilities, Sukkur Women's University, medical colleges and education reforms. The chief minister committed to personally inspecting ongoing development works to monitor both quality and pace of implementation.
This record development budget represents the largest-ever allocation for Sindh's development needs and signals the provincial government's ambitious agenda for transformative infrastructure and social development across the province.
