Once again, the Sindh Government has proven that governance rooted in public service delivers results. Under the leadership of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the budget for fiscal year 2025-26 stands as a testament to the Pakistan Peoples Party’s unwavering commitment to inclusive, people-first policies.
A standout feature of this budget is its serious investment in women’s empowerment.
This Rs. 3.4 trillion budget is focused, pragmatic, and progressive. It revolves around three key goals: relief for government employees, revitalization of public services like education and healthcare, and a sharp focus on infrastructure and development-particularly in Karachi. Just as importantly, it introduces meaningful reforms to ease the financial pressure on the common citizen.
Relief That Matters
Salaries for government employees in grades 1-16 will rise by 12%, and by 10% for those in grades 17-22. Pensioners will benefit from an 8% increase, while conveyance allowances for employees with disabilities have been raised. These steps come as a direct response to inflation and economic pressure felt across households.
Smart Tax Reforms
To lower the cost of doing business and simplify compliance, the government is eliminating five taxes: professional tax, cotton fee, internet duty, local cess, and drainage cess. Sales tax on insurance has been slashed from 15% to 5%, while the general sales tax on services is being reduced from 10% to 8%. Small businesses under Rs. 4 million in turnover are exempted from sales tax, and restaurant exemptions are proposed up to Rs. 5 million in turnover.
Transforming Education and Health
With Rs. 523?billion allocated to education (a 12.4% increase from last year) and Rs. 356?billion to healthcare, the Sindh Government is investing in the pillars of human capital. Plans include upgrading 333 primary schools, digitizing attendance, and enhancing school infrastructure, particularly for girls.
Empowering Women, Strengthening Futures
A standout feature of this budget is its serious investment in women empowerment. Over Rs. 4.5?billion have been earmarked for women-centric programs, ranging from legal aid and vocational training to small business support and shelters. The Sindh People’s Housing for Flood Affectees (SPHF) project has played a vital role in resettling displaced families with dignity-offering not just 2.1 million shelters, but economic stability through land ownership and home-based income opportunities. In partnership with the Sindh Rural Support Organization (SRSO), thousands of women in rural Sindh have been equipped with skills, microloans, and resources to launch sustainable enterprises. These programs are not token efforts-they represent a structural shift in how development is being made inclusive and long-term. Building further on this momentum, the government has launched bold mobility initiatives for women: the Pink Bus Service, introduced in 2023, continues to provide safe, women-only public transit on dedicated routes-an essential intervention against street harassment. Additionally, the Pink EV Scooty Scheme will distribute 1,000 electric scooters free of cost to eligible women-including students, working professionals, and widows-via transparent balloting. Beneficiaries must hold valid driving licenses and will receive training from female instructors. Together, these initiatives mark a bright, sustainable, and empowering step toward women’s independence and agency.
Karachi: A Development Priority
Rs. 21 billion have been allocated for key Karachi projects, including road rehabilitation, public transport, water and drainage systems, and digital governance. Under the CLICK project, Rs. 21.07 billion will be invested in improving urban service delivery.
The transport sector is getting a major boost: 50 new electric buses will be added soon, followed by another 100 by August 2025. BRT projects such as the Yellow and Red Lines continue progressing, and the Karachi Safe City initiative will expand AI-powered surveillance for improved security.
Water supply schemes worth Rs. 8.87 billion, the Shahrah-e-Bhutto upgrade, and Korangi Causeway Bridge improvements are also on the list. Historic site restoration and commercial district upgrades are included, giving Karachi a much-needed urban facelift.
Development with Direction
From flood rehabilitation to renewable energy, clean water access to underdeveloped district uplift, this year’s Annual Development Programme reflects strong policy direction and fiscal realism.
A Budget That Reflects the People’s Voice
Despite political noise, this budget has been widely acknowledged for delivering where it counts. It meets expectations, addresses daily economic challenges, and invests in the future-particularly of women, youth, and the underserved.
The 2025-26 Sindh Budget is not just a financial roadmap; it’s a blueprint for resilience, inclusivity, and real progress.
The writer is Spokesperson (Sindh Government)