KARACHI: Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday approved a record Rs1.018 trillion development budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 during a high-level review meeting at the CM House. The landmark allocation places strong emphasis on Karachi’s infrastructure, climate resilience, and province-wide social development.
Of the total outlay, Rs85.5 billion has been reserved for major Karachi projects under the Local Government Department, covering critical water and sewerage initiatives including K-IV, KWSSIP-II, Hub Canal rehabilitation, new storm-water drains, and 228 related schemes. CM Shah instructed Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah to ensure regular monitoring and timely release of funds, reaffirming the provincial government’s commitment to equitable, inclusive and climate-resilient development aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Development Strategy 2025-26
The strategy prioritises climate-resilient infrastructure development—roads, buildings and housing—alongside the restoration of flood-damaged health and education facilities. It focuses on enhancing agricultural productivity through climate-smart practices, strengthening value chains, improving irrigation efficiency, expanding safe drinking water access, and upgrading sewerage systems. The plan also includes improved connectivity between urban and rural centres, expansion of mass transit networks, and strengthened social protection programmes.
Key ADP Programmes
Officials briefed the meeting that 293 WASH and municipal service projects worth Rs85.5 billion form part of the portfolio. Major Karachi schemes such as K-IV, KWSSIP-II, Hub Canal works, and storm-water drain upgrades have been prioritised. Under the Sindh Poverty Alleviation Fund, WASH facilities will also be established in 5,100 villages.
Roads and Infrastructure
The Works and Services Department is implementing 620 ongoing road projects across Sindh. In Karachi, key initiatives include the Korangi Causeway Bridge, new underpasses, the Lyari Transformation Package, and upgrades under the CLICK programme. The rehabilitation of 970 km of flood-damaged roads is also progressing.
Transport and Mass Transit
Progress on the BRT Red Line and Yellow Line was reviewed, along with the expansion of intra-city bus fleets and the provision of more electric bikes for women. CM Shah instructed Transport Minister Sharjeel Memon to move a summary for additional electric buses and motorcycles.
Energy Sector
Finance officials noted that funds have been fully released for the Sindh Solar Energy Project and various solar home system initiatives under the Rs25 billion Special Initiative for Renewable Energy.
Social Sector Development
The chief minister reviewed the Rs86 billion Sindh School Rehabilitation Project and ongoing upgrades to DHQ/THQ hospitals, trauma centres, new health facilities, Sukkur Women’s University, medical colleges and broader education reforms. He said he would personally inspect ongoing schemes to ensure quality and timely completion.
