KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has initiated budget meetings to finalise development proposals and their allocations for the next financial year, launching an austerity drive to conserve funds for development initiatives.

In this regard, two separate meetings of the finance and planning and development (P&D) departments were held at the CM House on Wednesday.

These meetings were attended by P&D Minister Nasir Shah, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Principal Secretary to CM Agha Wasif, Chairman P&D Najam Shah, Finance Secretary Fayaz Jatoi and others.

Presiding over one of the meetings, the chief minister directed the P&D department to finalise the Annual Development Programme (ADP), stressing that the rehabilitation of flood-damaged infrastructure must be prioritised in the upcoming budget.

He emphasised the need to reduce non-development expenditures while increasing allocations for development projects. He advocated for cost-saving measures to ensure that savings are redirected towards development activities.

He highlighted the government’s efforts to enhance financial resources and expressed optimism that provincial tax collection agencies would meet their targets.

He also called for the introduction of new schemes to expand the ADP and underscored the importance of fiscal prudence. He instructed that canal and watercourse lining projects be included in the new development schemes.

Highlighting the importance of agricultural growth, the chief minister called for schemes aimed at improving agricultural output and productivity. “It is time to pay special attention to the agricultural sector,” he said.

Mr Shah reiterated the government’s commitment to the health sector, emphasising the need to enhance healthcare facilities across the province.

On education, he stressed the urgency of upgrading primary schools to the elementary level and giving focused attention to both formal and non-formal education systems.

The chief minister also directed the inclusion of multiple schemes for technical and higher education and called for projects that promote sports and healthy activities among youth.

The meeting marked a major step in shaping the Sindh government’s priorities for the next fiscal year, focusing on rebuilding infrastructure, boosting agriculture, improving healthcare and education and supporting youth development.

Main projects identified for accelerated funding in the new fiscal year include the K-IV water supply project, the Shahrah-i-Bhutto Expressway and ongoing transport schemes in Karachi.

This meeting sets the stage for the Sindh government’s budget for the fiscal year 2025–26, reflecting a commitment to balanced fiscal management and strategic investment in infrastructure and public services.

Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2025