Province prioritises security spending in Rs3.56 trillion fiscal plan
KARACHI, June 17, 2026 — The Sindh government has allocated Rs216.537 billion for law and order, jails and policing in its budget for fiscal year 2026-27, underscoring a continued focus on public safety and governance.
The announcement came as Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah presented a Rs3.562 trillion provincial budget, which includes a 7% increase in salaries and pensions and no new taxes.
The budget projects a fiscal deficit of Rs36.9 billion and allocates Rs750 billion for development spending, highlighting the province’s emphasis on infrastructure, public services and economic growth.
Murad Ali Shah presented the budget for the thirteenth time amid opposition protests, with lawmakers later staging a walkout from the assembly proceedings.
“No new taxes have been imposed in the budget, reflecting the government’s commitment to providing relief to the public and the business community,” he said.
Salaries, Pensions and Wage Relief
The provincial government has proposed a 7% increase in salaries and pensions for public sector employees to help offset rising living costs.
The minimum monthly wage has also been raised to Rs43,000 to support low-income workers across Sindh.
Rs750 Billion Development Programme
Sindh has allocated Rs750 billion for development projects in FY2026-27, reaffirming its commitment to infrastructure expansion, poverty reduction and improved public services.
Officials said the budget was prepared amid global economic uncertainty driven by geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions and inflationary pressures.
Key Sector-Wise Allocations
The budget includes significant allocations across multiple sectors:
Rs216.537 billion for law and order, jails and policing
Rs27.565 billion for law and parliamentary affairs
Rs38.22 billion for agriculture
Rs11.6 billion for livestock and fisheries
Rs41.1 billion for irrigation
Rs66.48 billion for energy
Rs18.291 billion for works and services
Rs201.39 billion for local government services
Rs8.18 billion for public health engineering
Rs354.271 billion for health services
Rs10.856 billion for information and publicity
Rs446.958 billion for school education
Rs41.414 billion for colleges
Rs9.417 billion for universities and boards
Rs133.54 billion for subsidies
Rs54.25 billion for debt servicing and interest repayments
Opposition Criticism
Opposition lawmakers criticised the budget during assembly proceedings, arguing that urban areas had not received adequate attention in spending priorities.
The budget will now be debated in the Sindh Assembly before final approval.
