Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, in his speech on the floor of the Sindh Assembly during the concluding discussion on the budget 2025-26, lauded Pakistan’s unified national response during the recent conflict with India and highlighted the crucial diplomatic and political role played by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
He began by congratulating the service chiefs, armed forces, President, Prime Minister, provincial governments, media, and political workers for their collective and coordinated effort. “Our national unity led us to success,” he said.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah defended the integrity of the provincial budget proceedings in the Sindh Assembly and criticised the opposition’s conduct during protests, calling it “disorderly and disrespectful.”
Murad Shah said that although his party had the absolute majority to pass the budget independently, they had chosen to work inclusively. “We could have bulldozed all rules if we wanted to, but that is not our way. We want to move forward together.”
Mr Shah pointed out that the ongoing budget discussion had seen extensive participation. “I am the 135th member to speak on the budget – this kind of debate has never taken place before,” he noted. “Last year, 132 members participated in the debate, and this year, more than 42 hours of discussion have already taken place.”
The CM also responded to criticism, suggesting that Sindh lacks democratic practice. “Let me present the facts,” he said. “In the Sindh Assembly, 100 percent of opposition members have spoken. In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, only 53 out of 145 members have spoken, and their debate has already concluded.”
“In the National Assembly, 204 out of 336 members have spoken about 60 per cent. In Punjab, with 371 members, only 46 have spoken so far, which is just 12.5pc. Even if four times that number speaks, it still won’t reach 50pc,” he explained. “In Balochistan, 12 out of 53 members have spoken, and they still have three or four days left.”
“Despite these facts, people say democracy doesn’t exist in Sindh,” the CM said. “In 1947, we welcomed people here-and we still do today. And if someone wants to leave, the Constitution gives them that right. But I won’t say go- I believe Sindh is the best province in Pakistan.”
Murad Shah highlighted that the province’s development budget constitutes approximately 30 pc of the total budget, surpassing Punjab’s 23 pc and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s 25.3 per cent. While he acknowledged that Balochistan has a higher development budget, he noted that it is also governed by the PPP.
The CM pointed out that the federal government initially promised Rs1.9 trillion for the year but subsequently revised it to Rs1.796 trillion, resulting in a shortfall of Rs100 billion. He expressed concern over the low revenue collection thus far and urged the federal government to release at least Rs237 billion.
Despite the federal government collecting 13 percent more in taxes, the CM stated that Sindh’s revenue growth outpaces it, with a 16 pc increase in provincial collections. He outlined the revenue targets for the upcoming budget, emphasising the need for equitable tax rates across the province, from Karachi to rural areas like Dadu.
Murad Shah also addressed the agricultural income tax, noting that the erroneous tax policies may lead to wheat imports this year. The CM announced a target of Rs8 billion for agricultural tax next year, equating to a tax of Rs1052 per acre. He contrasted this with Punjab’s target of Rs 372 per acre and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s target of only Rs 57 per acre for their cultivated land.
The CM Shah’s remarks reflect the ongoing fiscal challenges and the need for balanced resource allocation across the provinces.
The Chief Minister unveiled a series of significant initiatives aimed at bolstering development across various sectors in Sindh for the upcoming year.
Among the highlights, the government aims to achieve 100 percent birth registration, ensuring that every citizen is accounted for from the outset of their lives.
Murad Shah also noted that measures for agricultural development have already been outlined by the Minister of Agriculture, reflecting a commitment to enhance the province’s agricultural output.
In the education sector, the establishment of cost centres has been initiated, aimed at improving resource allocation and management within educational institutions. Furthermore, funding for the department supporting individuals with disabilities has been increased, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity.
In terms of fiscal policy, salaries have been raised by 10 to 12 per cent, while pensions have seen an increase of 8 per cent. Moreover, the government has abolished professional and entertainment taxes, as well as reduced various vehicle taxes, including those applicable to larger vehicles.
Finally, the provincial Annual Development Programme is set at Rs 10820 billion, underscoring the government’s commitment to advancing infrastructure and public services in Sindh. [The ADP for year 2025-26 has been set at Rs 520 billion. In addition to the District ADP Rs 55 billion, Foreign Project Assistance (FPA): Rs 366.72 billion and Federal PSDP contributions: Rs 76.28 billion.
During his address, the CM presented photographs of pre-1947 Karachi, countering claims that the city was devoid of development after independence. He stated that Karachi was on the rise in 1947, which prompted Quaid-e-Azam to designate it as the capital.
A decision was made to incorporate constituency-specific schemes, with an assurance that no single member’s scheme would be excluded.
The CM mentioned that the federal government had established a federal agency for the Green Line project in Karachi, which was also supported by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party. He expressed concerns about this arrangement and highlighted a promise made by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to discontinue such practices.
In the recent budget documents, schemes for all provinces were included, except for Sindh, which only had its projects assigned to the Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation Limited (PIDC). The CM called upon the opposition leader to assist in rectifying this disparity.
Ultimately, the federal government has now allocated three major schemes to Sindh, indicating a shift in the political landscape and a potential path forward for collaborative governance.
The CM Murad Ali Shah stated that he is not alone in addressing the grievances within the assembly, as members of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) are also participating in protests. He noted that MQM members have expressed the necessity of collaboration with the Sindh government for effective governance.
Mr Shah emphasised that the mandate does not allow a federal company to operate in Sindh without the provincial government’s consent. He affirmed that Rs500 million has been allocated for each constituency, with members required to propose schemes within this budget.
Several proposals have already been implemented, and he highlighted that Karachi has been overlooked in budget discussions.
He pointed out that out of a total of Rs1,400 billion, only Rs 60 billion, representing 4.6 percent, has been allocated to Karachi, while a total of Rs 254 billion has been earmarked for the city, with the possibility of further increases. However, projects such as Bhutto Avenue and the M-9 Link Road were not included in the budget.
The Chief Minister addressed misconceptions circulated by the media regarding the absence of mega projects for Karachi, clarifying that Rs12 billion has been reserved for such schemes, which encompass projects across the city. He refuted claims that only schemes for Lyari and Malir were included, asserting that all proposals are available for scrutiny.
In terms of minimum wage, the current rate in Sindh stands at Rs 37,000, with proposals from Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa advocating for an increase to Rs 40,000. The CM argued for a minimum wage of Rs 42,000 to better support workers.
Later, the session of the Sindh Assembly was adjourned until today.