Sindh cabinet clears over Rs30bn package for relief, development and reforms

KARACHI: The Sindh cabinet has approved a package exceeding Rs30 billion covering development, welfare and reform measures across infrastructure, health, governance, education and public relief, with Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah saying the provincial government aims to speed up development while extending direct support to people facing inflation and economic strain.

Chairing a cabinet meeting, the chief minister said the government would pursue work on infrastructure, social protection, healthcare reform, digital governance and institutional strengthening at the same time.

Fuel support for fishermen

The cabinet approved a Rs515 million fuel subsidy for fishermen in Karachi, Thatta, Sujawal and Badin. The one-time payment will cover two months of fuel expenses after higher diesel prices reduced fish production by 20% and affected livelihoods.

According to the approved plan, around 9,634 registered boats will benefit, with smaller boats receiving targeted assistance. The subsidy will be transferred directly to bank accounts after verification.

Development schemes and Karachi works

The cabinet also cleared a series of local government and infrastructure projects. These include Rs147.2 million for the design of a 1.12-kilometre bridge over the Indus River between Hyderabad and Kotri, Rs252.2 million for a cemetery in Hyderabad, Rs800 million for water supply lines in Qasimabad, Rs500 million for a sports complex in Latifabad, Rs1.2 billion for road widening and drainage systems, and Rs900 million for a drainage channel project.

For Karachi, the cabinet approved a Rs6.5 billion grant for road restoration across 24 town municipal corporations, and the chief minister directed the immediate release of funds. It also approved Rs2 billion for completion of a phase of the S-III sewage treatment project.

An additional Rs4 billion was approved to improve the drainage system in Larkana. The cabinet further sanctioned Rs48.9 million for digitisation of cases in district courts and the issuance of electronically certified copies. Funding was also approved for court buildings in Moro and for Pir Ilahi Bux Law College in Dadu.

Health, education and governance measures

In the health sector, the cabinet approved Rs635.48 million for a 50-bed trauma and emergency centre at Ghulam Muhammad Medical College Hospital Sukkur. The trauma centre is to become operational by June 2026.

The cabinet also approved Rs80 million for an orphanage in Umerkot, Rs90 million for an Early Childhood Education building at St. Patrick's High School Karachi, and Rs86.5 million for Sindh Job Portal operations. Funding was also approved for Indus AI Week 2026.

Among governance and institutional measures, the cabinet approved Rs615.7 million for restructuring the Sehwan Development Authority. It also approved an anti-encroachment tribunal for Shaheed Benazirabad Division and allocated 500 acres in Malir for a mega cemetery in Karachi.

Subsidies, tax relief and other approvals

The motorcycle fuel subsidy programme has been extended until May 31, 2026, with Rs2 billion allocated for it. More than 548,000 applicants have already received Rs2,000 each.

The cabinet reduced sales tax on motorcycle ride services from 5% to 2% to support low-income drivers. It also endorsed the World Bank-backed Pak Flow project aimed at reducing methane emissions at the Jam Chakro landfill and generating carbon credits.

A China Desk will be set up in the Investment Department to facilitate agreements following President Asif Ali Zardari's recent visit to China. The cabinet also approved amendments to human rights laws to incorporate Business and Human Rights principles and extend the tenure of commission members.

New recruitment rules were approved for Sindh's education boards to ensure merit-based hiring through a standardised selection process. The meeting also approved key appointments, including Faisal Malik as Member (Finance and Policy) of the Sindh Electric Power Regulatory Authority.