Sindh budget 2026-27 to be presented today amid proposed development cuts

WEB DESK: The Sindh government is set to present its budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 in the provincial assembly today, with officials considering a reduction in overall development spending amid fiscal constraints.

According to a notification issued by the assembly secretariat, the Sindh Assembly session has been convened for 2pm, during which the provincial budget for the upcoming financial year will be tabled.

Sources in the finance department said the total budget outlay for 2026-27 was expected to be lower than the current fiscal year’s allocation, signalling a more cautious approach to public spending.

Development budget may be reduced

The total size of the Sindh budget for fiscal year 2025-26 stood at Rs3.4tr. However, finance department sources said the provincial government was considering a reduction of 15 to 20pc in the overall development budget for the next fiscal year.

The proposed cuts come as provincial authorities seek to balance spending priorities while managing available financial resources. Officials have not yet disclosed the final size of the budget or the extent of any reductions that may be approved.

Key sectors may be protected

Despite the proposed cutbacks, sources said the government was considering protecting funding for development schemes in Karachi, the province’s economic hub.

In addition, recommendations have been made to exempt development allocations for the health, education and home departments from any reductions.

The move reflects the government’s intention to maintain spending on essential public services and security-related projects despite broader fiscal tightening.

The final allocations and spending priorities will become clear once the budget is formally presented before the provincial assembly later today.