Murad reviews development portfolio 2025–26 with Rs. 1.018 trillion outlay

KARACHI : Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday presided over a meeting to review the provincial Development Portfolio 2025–26, announcing a record development outlay of Rs. 1.018 trillion for the upcoming fiscal year.

A significant portion of this record allocation, Rs. 85.5 billion, is earmarked for major Karachi initiatives under the Local Government Department, which includes critical water and sanitation infrastructure such as K-IV, KWSSIP-II, the Hub Canal, and new storm water drains, alongside 228 other schemes.

The chief minister directed Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah to keep reviewing the progress of the schemes and get their funds released well in time.

The Chief Minister stated that the Sindh government remains committed to “climate-resilient, inclusive and equitable development that strengthens public services, protects vulnerable communities, and accelerates progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

The meeting held at CM House was attended by Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, PSCM Agha Wasif, Secretary Finance Fayaz Jatoi, Special Secretary Finance Asghar Memon and others.

Development Strategy for 2025–26:

Murad Ali Shah said that the provincial development strategy emphasises the construction of climate-resilient infrastructure, including buildings, roads, and housing. Rehabilitation of flood-damaged education and health facilities. Increasing agricultural productivity through value-chain strengthening and climate-smart practices. Improvement of irrigation systems and water conservation for agricultural, industrial, and municipal use. Expansion of safe drinking water and modern sewerage services. Strengthening connectivity across cities and towns.

“Development of mass transit systems for urban centres. Enhancement of social protection and poverty reduction programs and inclusive development aligned with the SDGs,” he said.

Allocations in ADP 2025–26: During the meeting, it was disclosed that major allocations include Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Municipal Services, 293 schemes under PHED worth Rs. 85.5 billion, major Karachi initiatives including K-IV, KWSSIP-II, Hub Canal, new storm water drains, and 228 schemes under the LG Department WASH facilities for 5,100 villages through SPHF.

Road Infrastructure: It was pointed out that 620 road projects are under the Works & Services Department. Significant projects in Karachi such as Korangi Causeway Bridge, new underpasses, the Lyari Transformation Package, and upgrades under the CLICK program. The rehabilitation of 970 km under the Sindh Flood Emergency Rehabilitation Project is also in progress.

Transport & Mass Transit: Projects include the construction of the BRT Red Line and Yellow Line. Expansion of intracity bus fleets. Introduction of more electric bikes for women was also discussed. The chief minister directed Minister of Transport Sharjeel Memon to float a summary for more Electric buses and bikes.

Energy: The Secretary of Finance told the chief minister that he has released the required funds for the Sindh Solar Energy Project and multiple Solar Home System programs. The scheme has been launched under the Special Initiative for Renewable Energy (Rs. 25 billion).

Social Sector: The CM also reviewed the Rs86 billion Sindh School Rehabilitation project. Expansion of DHQ/THQ hospitals and trauma centres. Establishment of Women University Sukkur, medical colleges, and new health facilities. Select education reforms and early learning initiatives were also reviewed. The CM said that he would visit the ongoing works to check their pace and quality.

Post-Flood Rehabilitation & SPHF Progress:

The Chief Minister reviewed progress on the Sindh People’s Housing for Flood Affectees (SPHF) - the world’s largest housing reconstruction program.

The CM was told that two million validations had been completed, 1.5 million bank accounts opened, 1.4 million disbursements issued, and one million plinths completed. 650,000 houses near completion

The initiative is projected to generate one million jobs, distribute 900,000 land titles to women, and ensure financial inclusion for nearly 2 million beneficiaries, Murad Shah said.

Foreign-Funded Development Portfolio:

Sindh is implementing $1.55 billion worth of development projects supported by the World Bank, ADB, AIIB, IsDB, IFAD, JICA, and other partners. These projects cover Rural road and irrigation rehabilitation,  Small dam construction, Education system reforms, Agricultural transformation, Health and population services, Social protection delivery, and Flood recovery infrastructure.

Ongoing & Pipeline Projects: During the meeting, the CM reviewed the progress of Ghotki–Kandhkot Bridge, Shahrah-e-Bhutto Expressway, Dhabeji Industrial Zone, Marble City, Peoples Green Transport, Riverine Forestation, Port-to-Qayyumabad corridor, Waste Water Treatment Plants and Industrial enclaves and mechanisation projects.

Carbon Financing and Delta Blue Carbon Project:

The chief secretary, briefing the chief minister, said that the Delta Blue Carbon (DBC) initiative covers 225,000 hectares in the Indus Delta. The major outcomes include 127 million tonnes of expected emissions reductions, 3.1 million verified credits generated up to 2021, $14.7 million deposited in the Sindh government account.

The project is projected to generate $15–20 million annually through carbon credits, theCM said.

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that the 2025–26 development agenda delivers “resilience, prosperity, and equitable opportunities for all citizens of Sindh.”