Sindh presents Rs3.56tn provincial budget for FY2026-27 amid opposition walkout

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday unveiled an over Rs3.562 trillion provincial budget, while the budget deficit was projected at Rs36.9 billion, for the fiscal year 2026-27.

CM Murad commenced the budget speech, for the thirteenth time, amid ruckus from the opposition lawmakers, who later staged a walkout from the provincial assembly.

“No new taxes have been imposed in the budget, reflecting the government’s commitment to providing relief to the public and the business community,” he said.

The chief minister announced a development allocation of Rs750 billion.

“Recent regional developments have once again demonstrated Pakistan’s role as a voice of peace, stability and principled diplomacy,” said CM Murad.

He said that the budget is being presented at a time when the global economy continues to face uncertainty arising from geopolitical tensions, disruption in international trade, volatility in markets and inflationary pressures.

7% increase in salary and pension

The provincial government has proposed a 7% increase in salaries and pensions of government employees, and a range of relief measures aimed at supporting households, farmers and businesses.

Minimum wage raised

The minimum monthly wage in the province has been raised to Rs43,000.

Rs100bn allocated for Karachi

CM Murad said that the Sindh government is paying “special attention” to the development projects in Karachi.

“Rs 100.19 billion has been allocated for Karachi in the fiscal year 2026-27,” said the Sindh CM.

“Development projects worth billions for Karachi’s infrastructure, traffic, sanitation, water and education sectors have become part of the budget,” he added.

Shahrah-e-Bhutto extension

CM Murad informed the lower house that the Shahrah-e-Bhutto, which is currently facilitating 25,000 vehicles daily, will be extended from Qayyumabad to Karachi Port.

Opposition leader Ali Khursheedi said, “Urban Sindh was not represented in the budget.”

Earlier, Murad chaired the provincial cabinet’s budget meeting, attended by provincial ministers, advisers, special assistants, the chief secretary,  secretaries and senior officials

The cabinet approved the Sindh Budget 2026-27, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive development, poverty reduction, and public welfare.

Special measures have been introduced under the guidance of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, including support for workers through an increase in the minimum wage.

Sindh CM Murad presents Rs3.45trn provincial budget for FY2025-26

“We will continue serving the people of Sindh and work even harder in the new fiscal year,” said CM Murad.

“On Bilawal Bhutto’s instructions, we are taking special measures to eliminate poverty,” said Murad, saying that the Sindh government has also decided on a minimum wage for labourers in the new budget.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Friday unveiled a Rs18.77 trillion federal budget for fiscal year 2026-27, extending relief to the salaried class and tax incentives to exporters, real estate, and construction sectors to revive industry, promote investment, and steer the economy towards a 4% growth target.

More to follow