CM Murad Ali Shah presents Sindh’s Rs3.56 trillion budget for FY2026-27

Karachi (Web Desk): Sindh Chief Minster Syed Murad Ali Shah, who also holds the portfolio of finance, presented Rs3.56 annual budget for the financial year (FY) 2026-27 at the Sindh Assembly in Karachi.

The session was disrupted earlier after members of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) caused an uproar in the assembly.

MQM MPA Ali Khurshidi said that the party chose to boycott the proceedings, saying the opposition had not been consulted in advance.

Syed Murad Ali Shah, while unveiling the provincial budget, stated that the government’s key priority for the next fiscal year is to preserve fiscal discipline, strengthen the financial position of the province, and keep development work moving forward despite a tough economic climate.

For development spending, the government has proposed an allocation of Rs720.39 billion.

In sector-wise distributions, Rs402 billion has been set aside for health services, Rs185 billion for transport and communication infrastructure, Rs103 billion for irrigation, Rs49 billion for sanitation, and Rs347.6 billion for local government operations and public service delivery.

For maintaining peace and ensuring security, Rs222 billion has been proposed under the law and order head for the financial year 2026–27.

Referring to the tragic Gul Plaza fire incident, the chief minister said the provincial administration had already approved a substantial relief package worth Rs8.45 billion. This includes compensation of Rs10 million for the families of each person who lost their lives in the incident.

The agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors have been allocated Rs72.8 billion, while Rs84 billion is proposed for energy, climate action, and environmental initiatives.

In the social sector, Rs3.5 billion has been earmarked for minorities and women development, which the chief minister emphasized will be fully protected from any spending cuts. Likewise, Rs22.8 billion has been allocated for persons with disabilities, which will also remain safeguarded. Another Rs26.4 billion has been proposed for broader social protection programmes.

The chief minister remarked that every allocation in the budget has been carefully directed toward projects that offer the highest social and economic return for the people of Sindh.

He described the financial plan as a strategic and balanced investment approach aimed at strengthening human development, improving infrastructure, enhancing connectivity, securing water resources, boosting economic growth, and creating sustainable opportunities for future generations.

The provincial government has also proposed reducing sales tax on education support services to 5 percent. In addition, the tax rate on insurance agents and brokers is planned to be reduced from 5 percent to between 2 and 3 percent.

Earlier, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday chaired a meeting of the provincial cabinet focused on the upcoming budget, which was attended by provincial ministers, advisers, special assistants, the chief secretary, administrative secretaries, and other senior officials.

During the meeting, the cabinet gave its approval to the Sindh Budget 2026–27, while reiterating the government’s priority of promoting inclusive development, reducing poverty, and improving public welfare across the province.

According to a statement issued from the Chief Minister House, the budget includes a number of special initiatives, particularly measures aimed at strengthening workers’ welfare through an increase in the minimum wage, on the directions of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Murad Ali Shah said the government remains committed to serving the people of Sindh and will further intensify its efforts in the new fiscal year.