Sindh Assembly budget standoff shows no signs of easing
The Sindh Assembly’s budget debate continued for a sixth day as government and opposition lawmakers traded sharp criticism over the PPP’s performance. The session was adjourned till 10am on Sunday.
KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly on Saturday resumed its general discussion on the provincial budget for the next fiscal year, with the debate entering its sixth day amid sharp exchanges between treasury and opposition lawmakers.
Senior members from both sides took part in the discussion. Ministers from the provincial cabinet defended the Pakistan Peoples Party government’s record, saying major development work had been carried out during its tenure. Opposition legislators disputed that account, arguing that public hardship had grown during the PPP’s 18 years in power and calling on the government to move away from confrontation and embrace dialogue in the wider interest of the province.
Government defends development record
Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah told the House that the provincial government was pressing ahead with its development programme and expected stronger support in the next elections. He said hundreds of schemes had been completed and cited work related to parks, roads and urban services as examples of progress.
Nasir Hussain Shah also said the solid waste management system had improved, adding that 15,000 tons of garbage were being lifted every day. He further said ongoing reforms were expected to bring carbon credit benefits.
Opposition questions claims
Opposition members rejected the government’s assertion that record development had taken place. Speaking in the assembly, they said the official narrative of progress did not match conditions on the ground and maintained that repeated claims of improvement in education, health and infrastructure were not reflected in the experience of ordinary citizens.
They also called for greater transparency in development expenditure and urged the government to concentrate on measurable gains in public services. Opposition lawmakers said the province needed a political approach based on dialogue rather than confrontation.
After the day’s proceedings, the Sindh Assembly session was adjourned until 10am on Sunday.
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