Sindh budget FY26: CM Shah unveils Rs1,018bn Annual Development Programme

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, while unveiling the annual budget in the assembly, presented the Annual Development Program (ADP) for the fiscal year 2025-26 with a total outlay of Rs 1,018 billion.

Presenting the budget, CM Shah said that this ambitious development plan focuses on rehabilitation, infrastructure, social services, and sustainable growth across the province.

Giving details of ADP funds, the chief minister said that Rs520bn allocated for provincial ADP, Rs55bn for district ADP, Rs366.72bn for Foreign Project Assistance and Rs76.28bn for Federal PSDP.

The CM said that the ADP and the development portfolio focus on the rehabilitation of flood-damaged schools and infrastructure to enhance education access, upgradation of healthcare facilities for improved service delivery, promotion of climate-resilient agriculture and irrigation system restoration, provision of clean drinking water and sanitation to improve public health, strengthening road connectivity and urban infrastructure.

It also includes mass transit and safe city projects in Karachi, Implementation of green energy initiatives and renewable energy projects, poverty alleviation through nutrition support, community infrastructure, and low-cost housing, he added.

The provincial chief executive said that the ADP includes 3,642 schemes with Rs400.5bn allocated - 82.6% for 3,161 ongoing projects and 17.4% for 481 new initiatives. He further said that Rs119.5bn had been allocated for special development initiatives.

The CM said that Rs102.8bn were proposed for education, Rs45.4bn for health, Rs84bn for irrigation, Rs132bn for local government, Rs143bn for Works and Services, Rs36.3bn for energy (including Thar Coal and renewable), Rs22.5bn for agriculture, livestock and fisheries and Rs59.7bn for transport and mass transit.

He maintained that his government emphasised completing ongoing projects by allocating 80% of the budget to them, while 20% is reserved for new schemes.

“Special priority is given to flood rehabilitation, energy initiatives, Karachi city projects, and sustainable development goals like clean water and sanitation,” the chief minister added.

CM Shah further said that the outgoing year saw the completion of 1,460 schemes, the highest in recent years, with significant progress in housing for flood-affected people - over 400,000 houses completed and more under construction.

“The total development expenditure reached Rs468bn, with 73% utilisation of released funds,” he added.

The chief minister said that the comprehensive ADP reflects Sindh’s commitment to sustainable development, infrastructure enhancement, and social welfare, aiming to boost economic growth and improve quality of life across the province.