Sindh government has announced a salary increase of 12% for public sector employees from grades 1 to 16, and 10% for those in grades 17 to 22, as part of the new provincial budget presented by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.
According to details, additionally, an 8% increase in pensions has been approved for retired government employees in Sindh. For the first time, financial powers will be granted to the head teachers of 34,000 schools across Sindh.
Meanwhile, Sindh education budget has been increased by 12% for the next fiscal year 2025-26.
The education budget has been increased by 12%, rising from Rs458 billion to Rs523 billion. The allocation for primary education has been increased from Rs136 billion to Rs156 billion.
An amount of Rs5 billion has been earmarked for college infrastructure, while another Rs5 billion has been allocated for scholarships to foreign universities.
Funding for 31 public universities and 9 autonomous institutions has also been increased – from Rs35 billion to Rs42 billion.
– Opposition protests during budget speech in Sindh Assembly –
On the other side, the opposition created an uproar in the Sindh Assembly during the budget speech presented by CM Murad – who also holds the portfolio of the finance minister.
Presenting Sindh’s 10th consecutive budget, CM Murad announced a total outlay of Rs3,451.87 billion—an increase of 12.9% from the previous year’s estimate of Rs3,056.3 billion.
CM Murad declared a salary increase of 12% for employees from grade 1 to 16, and 10% for those in grades 17 to 22. Pensions for retired government employees have also been increased by 8%.
He stated that ambulance services and mobile diagnostic units would be expanded to rural areas. Due to financial constraints, the Annual Development Programme has been reduced by 20%, now capped at Rs520 billion.
CM Murad announced 475 new development schemes focusing on flood-affected areas, renewable energy, and underdeveloped regions. Sector-wise allocations include Rs99.6 billion for education, Rs45.37 billion for health and Rs73.9 billion for irrigation.
Local government bodies have been allocated Rs132 billion, with specific funds designated for Karachi to improve roads, sewerage, and water supply systems.
CM Murad said that Pakistan’s first fleet of 50 electric buses would be launched in Karachi, with an additional 100 buses expected by August 2025. Progress has also been made in the Yellow and Red Line BRT projects.
Four IBA Community Colleges will be established. More than 34,100 primary schools will receive separate funding. The Sindh Educational Endowment Fund has been allocated Rs2 billion. The budget for differently-abled persons has increased from Rs11.6 billion to Rs17.3 billion.
A total of Rs326.5 billion has been allocated for the health sector—an 8% increase over last year. This includes Rs 19 billion for SIUT, Rs16.5 billion for the People’s Primary Health Initiative, and Rs10 billion for a new hospital in Larkana.
CM Murad said that additional funds have been allocated to education, health, infrastructure, and welfare. Running expenses stand at Rs2,149.4 billion—up 12.4% from last year—due to inflation, hospital and university grants.
The education budget has seen a 12.4% increase, now at Rs523.73 billion. Primary education’s allocation rose from Rs136.2 billion to Rs156.2 billion, and secondary education from Rs68.5 billion to Rs77.2 billion. A total of 4,400 new teachers and staff will be recruited.
Steps toward digital governance included the digitisation of land records via blockchain and the expansion of the digital birth registration system.
Agriculture reforms were also highlighted. Over 200,000 farmers will receive subsidies and modern tools through the Benazir Hari Card, including support for drip irrigation systems.
Cluster farming projects will begin under a public-private partnership model. A feasibility study is underway for the creation of the Sindh Cooperative Bank, which will provide interest-free loans to farmers.
Youth development centres will also be established. Five taxes are being abolished, including the professional tax and entertainment duty. Motor vehicle tax will be reduced, and a negative list system will be introduced for sales tax.
CM Murad emphasised relief for government employees: a 12% ad hoc relief allowance for grades 1–16 and a 10% increase for grades 17–22, along with an 8% pension hike.
He said the budget aims to unlock Sindh’s untapped potential and is a comprehensive, society-focused, and self-reliant plan. He added that Sindh is ready for a transformative year ahead.
– Sindh Assembly unanimously passes resolution condemning Israeli aggression –
Meanwhile, the Sindh Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution condemning Israeli aggression. The session has been adjourned until Monday.
