Sindh Approves Rs30B Development and Welfare Package

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has approved a comprehensive development, welfare, and reform package exceeding Rs30 billion, encompassing infrastructure upgrades, healthcare initiatives, governance reforms, subsidies, and public welfare projects across the province.

Presiding over a cabinet meeting, the chief minister reiterated the government’s commitment to advancing development initiatives while simultaneously providing relief to citizens impacted by inflation and economic challenges.

The cabinet approved a Rs515 million fuel subsidy for fishermen operating in Karachi, Thatta, Sujawal, and Badin to mitigate the impact of rising diesel prices, which have adversely affected fish production and livelihoods. The scheme will benefit approximately 9,634 registered boats, with subsidies covering two months of fuel costs to be disbursed directly into verified bank accounts.

Additionally, the motorcycle fuel subsidy programme was extended until May 31, 2026, with an allocation of Rs2 billion. Officials informed the cabinet that over 548,000 applicants have already received payments of Rs2,000 each. To further support low-income riders, sales tax on motorcycle ride services has been reduced from 5% to 2%.

In the infrastructure sector, the cabinet approved a Rs6.5 billion grant for the rehabilitation of roads across 24 town municipal corporations in Karachi, with directives for immediate fund release. An additional Rs2 billion was sanctioned for the completion of a phase of the S-III sewage treatment project, while Rs4 billion was allocated for drainage system improvements in Larkana.

Several local government development schemes were also approved, including Rs147.2 million for the design of a 1.12-kilometre bridge over the Indus River between Hyderabad and Kotri, Rs252.2 million for a cemetery in Hyderabad, Rs800 million for water supply lines in Qasimabad, and Rs500 million for a sports complex in Latifabad.

Further allocations included Rs1.2 billion for road expansion and drainage works, along with Rs900 million for a drainage channel project.

In the health sector, the cabinet sanctioned Rs635.48 million for the establishment of a 50-bed trauma and emergency centre at Ghulam Muhammad Medical College Hospital in Sukkur, expected to be operational by June 2026.

Additional approvals included Rs80 million for an orphanage in Umerkot and Rs90 million for the construction of an Early Childhood Education building at St. Patrick’s High School in Karachi.

An amount of Rs48.9 million was allocated for digitisation of district court cases and issuance of electronically certified copies. Funding was also approved for court infrastructure in Moro and support for Pir Ilahi Bux Law College in Dadu.

The cabinet also approved Rs86.5 million for operationalisation of the Sindh Job Portal and sanctioned funding for “Indus AI Week 2026.”

Institutional reforms included approval of Rs615.7 million for restructuring the Sehwan Development Authority and the establishment of an anti-encroachment tribunal for Shaheed Benazirabad Division. Additionally, 500 acres in Malir were allocated for the development of a large-scale cemetery in Karachi.

The cabinet endorsed the World Bank-supported “Pak Flow” project aimed at reducing methane emissions at the Jam Chakro landfill and generating carbon credits.

A China Desk will be established within the Investment Department to facilitate bilateral engagements following President Asif Ali Zardari’s recent visit to China.

The meeting also approved amendments to human rights legislation, incorporating “Business and Human Rights” principles and extending the tenure of commission members. New recruitment rules for Sindh education boards were introduced to ensure a standardised merit-based hiring process.

The session concluded with the approval of several appointments, including Faisal Malik as Member (Finance and Policy) of the Sindh Electric Power Regulatory Authority.