Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah presents provincial budget for FY2026-27

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, who also holds the portfolio of the finance department, is presenting the provincial budget for fiscal year 2026-27 in the assembly. The session was earlier delayed due to a ruckus created by lawmakers of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P). MPA Ali Khurshidi said the party was boycotting the session because the opposition had not been consulted beforehand. CM Murad said that in the upcoming fiscal year, the government’s goal was to “maintain fiscal discipline, strengthen public finances, and sustain development momentum during a very challenging year”. He also referred to the deadly Gul Plaza fire, saying that the Sindh government had approved one of the largest relief packages in response to the incident, amounting to Rs8.45 billion, including compensation of Rs10 million for the family of each deceased victim. Provincial cabinet approves budget Earlier today, the Sindh cabinet approved the proposed provincial budget for fiscal year 2026-27, state broadcaster PTV reported. It was approved in a session chaired by CM Murad, who said that every class had been catered to in the proposed budget and steps were being taken to eradicate poverty from the province, PTV said. The report added that the Sindh government also decided on the minimum wage for workers in the budget. During the meeting, the provincial cabinet appreciated the “record” development initiatives taken during the previous fiscal year, according to the CM House. It added that the cabinet also “reaffirmed its commitment to public service” under the leadership of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. As per the statement, the budget also includes an increase in minimum wage for workers. Ahead of the provincial budget, CM Murad, in a meeting a day earlier, reviewed the performance of major revenue-generating departments and directed them to strengthen collection mechanisms and improve fiscal efficiency to support the province’s development agenda.