In a major push towards rebuilding and development, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Friday presented the province’s Annual Development Program (ADP) for the fiscal year 2025-26 with a massive outlay of Rs1,018 billion, promising transformation through better infrastructure, flood rehabilitation, and key social sector investments.

Unveiling the budget in the Sindh Assembly, CM Shah described the ADP as a “comprehensive and ambitious development plan” designed to uplift communities and ensure sustainable growth across the province. The four-part development framework includes Rs520 billion for the provincial ADP, Rs55 billion for district-level schemes, Rs366.72 billion through foreign project assistance, and Rs76.28 billion from the federal Public Sector Development Program (PSDP).

A major chunk of the budget focuses on flood rehabilitation projects, especially in education and housing. Shah shared that more than 400,000 homes for flood-affected families have already been built, with more under construction. The ADP includes 3,642 schemes, of which 82.6% are ongoing projects to ensure continuity and completion, while the rest are new initiatives.

Key allocations include:

• Education: Rs102.8 billion

• Health: Rs45.4 billion

• Irrigation: Rs84 billion

• Local Government: Rs132 billion

• Transport and Mass Transit: Rs59.7 billion

• Energy (including Thar Coal & Renewables): Rs36.3 billion

• Agriculture, Livestock & Fisheries: Rs22.5 billion

CM Shah said flood rehabilitation projects, urban development in Karachi, renewable energy initiatives, and improved healthcare access are among the top priorities this year. A total of Rs119.5 billion has also been allocated for special development initiatives.

“By focusing on both ongoing and new projects, we’re not just spending, we’re building a better Sindh,” he remarked. “Our emphasis is on education, clean water, health services, and sustainable infrastructure that brings real change to people’s lives.”

In a welcome move for government employees, the Sindh government announced a 12% salary increase for staff in grades 1 to 16, and a 10% raise for officers in grades 17 to 22. Pensions of retired provincial employees will also be increased by 8%. Special conveyance allowance for differently abled employees was also raised.

Calling it a “budget of the people,” the CM emphasized that the province is committed to boosting economic growth through targeted investments and empowering communities.

“This budget is about tapping into the real potential of Sindh,” Shah concluded.