KARACHI: The Sindh government will present its budget for fiscal year 2026-27 today with a total proposed outlay exceeding Rs3.4 trillion. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah will unveil the budget during the provincial assembly session.
According to officials, the proposed development budget stands at Rs720 billion. The allocation includes funding for more than 3,715 development schemes across the province.
Meanwhile, sources said nearly 73 percent of Sindh’s total revenue will come through transfers under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. These transfers will remain the province’s primary source of income during the new fiscal year.
The budget is also expected to provide financial relief to government employees. Officials are considering a 10 percent increase in salaries and an 8 percent rise in pensions. However, the final decision will be announced during the budget speech.
Furthermore, the overall development budget is expected to decline by around 28 percent compared with the current fiscal year. Despite the reduction, the government has allocated Rs256 billion for foreign-funded development projects and proposed Rs68 billion under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).
In addition, the government is considering a significant reduction in the District Annual Development Programme allocation. The proposed allocation may decrease from Rs55 billion to Rs15 billion. Meanwhile, the Provincial Development Programme is expected to receive Rs385 billion.
Budget documents show that the development portfolio includes 3,594 ongoing projects along with 120 new schemes awaiting approval. The government aims to continue priority projects while introducing selected new initiatives.
The Local Government Department has received the largest share of development schemes. Its water supply, drainage, and sanitation projects account for 972 schemes. Meanwhile, the Education Department has secured funding for 655 development projects.
The Works and Services Department will also receive allocations for hundreds of infrastructure projects. Overall, the budget focuses on sustaining development, supporting public services, and maintaining fiscal discipline while offering limited financial relief to provincial employees.
