Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah presents Rs3.56tr budget with no new taxes, 7pc pay raise

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah presented a Rs3.56 trillion budget for fiscal year 2026-27 against estimated receipts of approximately Rs3.41tr, resulting in a projected deficit of about Rs242 billion. The session was delayed due to a ruckus created by lawmakers of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P). MPA Ali Khurshidi said the party was boycotting the session because the opposition had not been consulted beforehand. The budget proposes no new taxes, a 7 per cent increase in salaries and pensions, a Rs400 billion development programme, a Rs13.2 billion social protection package, and a series of long-term initiatives aimed at transforming Sindh into a regional hub for trade, finance, technology and renewable energy. CM Murad said that in the upcoming fiscal year, the government’s goal was to “maintain fiscal discipline, strengthen public finances, and sustain development momentum during a very challenging year”. He also referred to the deadly Gul Plaza fire, saying that the Sindh government had approved one of the largest relief packages in response to the incident, amounting to Rs8.45 billion, including compensation of Rs10 million for the family of each deceased victim. Provincial cabinet approves budget Earlier today, the Sindh cabinet approved the proposed provincial budget for fiscal year 2026-27, state broadcaster PTV reported. It was approved in a session chaired by CM Murad, who said that every class had been catered to in the proposed budget and steps were being taken to eradicate poverty from the province, PTV said. The report added that the Sindh government also decided on the minimum wage for workers in the budget. During the meeting, the provincial cabinet appreciated the “record” development initiatives taken during the previous fiscal year, according to the CM House. It added that the cabinet also “reaffirmed its commitment to public service” under the leadership of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. As per the statement, the budge