Nasir, World Bank team discuss LG system, ongoing projects in Sindh

KARACHI: Sindh Minister for Local Government Syed Nasir Hussain Shah met a high-level delegation of the World Bank Mission to discuss the improvement of the local government system in Sindh, modernisation of the immovable property tax collection mechanism, empowerment of local governments, and ongoing development projects.

Additional Chief Secretary Local Government Waseem Shamshad, Project Director KLEC, Director UIPT, and other senior officials of the Local Government department were also present on the occasion. Speaking at the meeting, Nasir Hussain Shah said that the Sindh government is set to introduce a modern and transparent system for the collection of immovable property tax across the province, which will help increase revenue, improve service delivery, and strengthen the financial autonomy of local government institutions.

He said that the modern property tax system has already been functioning successfully in Karachi and, with the support of the World Bank, its scope will now be expanded across Sindh to ensure a uniform and effective tax system in both urban and rural areas.

Nasir Hussain Shah said that it is the vision of Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and the clear directives of Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah to provide all basic facilities to citizens at their doorstep and further empower local government institutions. He added that the Sindh government is taking serious steps to introduce comprehensive amendments to local government laws in consultation with all stakeholders, aimed at making the local government system more effective and efficient.

The minister said that strengthening and empowering elected representatives down to the Union Council level remains a key priority of the government, while the proposed legal reforms will also grant greater administrative and financial powers to Town chairmen and deputy mayors, enabling quicker resolution of public issues at the local level.

He further said that towns demonstrating outstanding performance in immovable property tax collection will be provided additional development funds to encourage better performance and accelerate the pace of development.

During the meeting, the World Bank Mission delegation expressed keen interest in projects related to the digitalisation of the property tax system and capacity building of local government institutions in Sindh, and reaffirmed its commitment to continuing cooperation with the Sindh government. Nasir Hussain Shah assured the delegation of the Sindh government’s full support and said that, through collaboration with international institutions, the province will further improve urban governance, financial reforms, and the quality of public services.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026