Karachi: The Sindh government has finalized its budget proposals for the fiscal year 2025–26, reflecting a notable shift in focus toward urban development and infrastructure enhancement across the province, particularly in Karachi and other divisional headquarters.

The Annual Development Program (ADP) for the upcoming fiscal year is projected at Rs503 billion, up from Rs493 billion in the previous year. A significant portion — Rs183 billion — has been set aside for new development schemes, while Rs45 billion will be allocated to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) fund, meant to finance initiatives recommended by members of the National and Provincial Assemblies.

Each divisional headquarters city is expected to receive a Rs7 billion development package, signaling a broader push to upgrade infrastructure outside of Karachi as well.

Karachi Gets a Mega Boost

The most prominent shift is seen in Karachi’s development funding, with a dramatic increase in the mega projects budget, from Rs1.38 billion last year to Rs21 billion in 2025–26. This indicates renewed attention toward addressing the city’s chronic infrastructure challenges.

Read: Sindh prioritises infrastructure, solar expansion in budget

Increased Allocations for Education and Health

The education sector’s development budget is proposed to rise from Rs32 billion to Rs38 billion. Key highlights include:

College education funding: Rs3.99 billion → Rs7.10 billion
Universities and boards: Rs4.26 billion → Rs7.24 billion

However, school education development sees a proposed cut, from Rs20 billion to Rs17.82 billion.

The health sector is also expected to receive a boost, with allocations rising from Rs18 billion to Rs21 billion.

Infrastructure and Utilities See Major Gains

Other key increases include:

Irrigation: Rs26 billion → Rs31 billion
Public health engineering: Rs21 billion → Rs24 billion
Transport development: Rs5.84 billion → Rs10.25 billion

These increases suggest the provincial government’s emphasis on expanding infrastructure networks, improving basic utilities, and addressing mobility challenges.

Read: Sindh CM orders fast-track work on coastal, industrial roads

Budget Cuts for Local Governance

Despite these increases, some departments face reductions. The Local Government Department’s development budget is proposed to shrink from Rs74.37 billion to Rs66.11 billion, while the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD) is expected to see its funding slashed from Rs32 billion to Rs10.91 billion.

The full provincial budget, including these development proposals, is scheduled to be presented in the Sindh Assembly on Friday.

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