Sindh presented relief budget despite financial cuts: CM

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Murad Ali Shah has said that despite financial constraints and federal funding cuts, the Sindh government has presented a budget focused on providing relief to the public.

Addressing a post-budget press conference on Saturday, Murad Ali Shah revealed that Sindh received Rs 422.3 billion less than expected, which has impacted development projects.

He said that the government had allocated a development budget of Rs 900 billion, but Rs 317.6 billion is still pending from the federal government.

Sindh presents Rs3.4 trillion budget; education, public welfare in focus

He added that the budget shows a surplus of Rs 299 billion to maintain fiscal discipline.

The Sindh CM expressed concern that the province was informed of reduced funds just a day before the budget. He pointed out that Sindh is already part of the IMF programme, and such federal cuts are unjust under the current economic strain.

He said that the federal government collects most of the taxes from the provinces, so it should ensure a fair distribution of resources. “The federal government should honour the promises it makes,” he added.

Murad Ali Shah criticised the opposition for creating a ruckus during the budget session, saying, “All parties should have shown unity during the budget.”

He maintained that the Sindh government has taken steps to provide relief to the public despite limited resources.