KARACHI, June 16: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan has expressed the confidence that province's budget for the fiscal 2006-07 would prove to be an exemplary one towards the development of Sindh as well as for the provision of relief to the common man.

In a statement, he congratulated the chief minister and members of his cabinet for coming up with a surplus budget which in spite of limited resources reflects the aspirations of the people.

Dr Ishrat also pointed out that no new tax had been levied in the Sindh budget for 2006-07 which is a balanced one and would contribute towards reducing poverty.

He said in this budget allocation has been enhanced for education, health, agriculture and other sectors.

The governor said that in the budget there is a coordinated plan for the development activities.

He pointed out that the salaries and pensions of the government employees have been increased. Wages of policemen have also been enhanced.

He also appreciated the measures that have been taken in the budget for strengthening the local governments.

The governor believed that the empowerment of the people would prove to be a silent revolution.

He further said that the budget would help bridge the rural-urban gap and lead to betterment of the people and development of all the areas.—APP