Karachi: Sindh government on Monday approved a series of wide-ranging development initiatives during a high-level cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah at the CM House. Key decisions included the approval of a dedicated water supply pipeline for Karachi’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA), the introduction of new agricultural income tax rules, and an expanded flood relief package for affected farmers.

The meeting, attended by provincial ministers, advisors, special assistants, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, and senior officials, reviewed and approved most items from a 52-point agenda. The focus remained on resolving infrastructure bottlenecks, promoting digital governance, and supporting the province’s agricultural sector.

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Rs10.56bn Interest-Free Loan for DHA Water Supply

In a major move to address Karachi’s chronic water shortage, especially in DHA which receives only 4–5 million gallons per day (MGD), the cabinet approved an interest-free loan of PKR 10.56 billion for the Water and Sewerage Corporation. The funds will be used to construct a 36-kilometre dedicated pipeline from Dumlottee to DHA, along with a pumping station, forebay, and filtration plant.

Originally approved by the WSC board earlier this year, the scheme has now received cabinet-level clearance with a directive from the chief minister to complete the project within 11 months to meet the city’s growing demand for water.

Agricultural Income Tax Reform

The cabinet also approved the Sindh Agricultural Income Tax Rules 2025, introducing structured mechanisms for taxpayer registration, e-filing, and documentation. Landowners will now be required to register with the Sindh Revenue Board using Form AIT-01 and file returns using Form AIT-03 along with proof of payment.

To ensure transparency and ease of access, records must be maintained in Urdu, Sindhi, or English. The rules also allow for carrying forward of losses caused by natural disasters. A sub-committee comprising the ministers for agriculture, law, and works has been tasked with finalizing the draft rules.

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E-Stamp Rule Amendments

As part of its broader digital governance initiative, the cabinet approved amendments to the Sindh E-Stamp Rules 2020. The changes eliminate the need for physical stamp paper in areas where electronic registration systems are in place. The digital platform is already operational in 51 registrar offices, aimed at streamlining property transaction processes through electronic stamp verification and e-registration.

Flood Relief Enhanced for Affected Farmers

The cabinet approved an increase in the flood relief allocation for farmers affected by the 2022 floods—from PKR 21.56 billion to PKR 27.67 billion. So far, assistance has been disbursed in three phases, benefiting 151,147 verified farmers. An additional PKR 6.1 billion has been earmarked for pending cases, while PKR 2.37 billion in program savings will be redirected for further support.

The disbursement is being made through the Benazir Hari Card initiative, which aims to provide targeted aid to the agriculture sector.

Benazir Hari Card Rollout

The cabinet also approved a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Agriculture Department and Sindh Bank for the implementation of the Benazir Hari Card. The initiative offers subsidies on agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, along with soft-term loans, disaster relief assistance, crop insurance, and priority access to solar tube wells.

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To date, 237,125 farmers have registered for the program, with 88,871 verified and cleared for further support.

Strategic Vision

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive development, CM Murad Ali Shah emphasized the importance of transparency, inter-departmental coordination, and timely execution. “These wide-ranging decisions reflect the Sindh government’s strategic approach to linking infrastructure development with social equity and economic opportunity,” he stated.

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