Sindh approves over Rs30bn development package, allocates Rs2bn for motorcycle fuel subsidy

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday approved a development, welfare and reform package exceeding Rs30 billion, covering infrastructure, healthcare, governance reforms, subsidies and public welfare projects across the province.

Chairing a cabinet meeting, the chief minister said the government would continue focusing on development projects alongside relief measures for people affected by inflation and economic pressures.

The cabinet approved a Rs515 million fuel subsidy package for fishermen in Karachi, Thatta, Sujawal and Badin to offset the impact of higher diesel prices that have reduced fish production and affected livelihoods.

Under the scheme, around 9,634 registered boats will receive support for two months of fuel costs, with subsidies to be transferred directly into verified bank accounts.

The cabinet also extended the motorcycle fuel subsidy programme until May 31, 2026, allocating Rs2 billion for the initiative. Officials informed the meeting that more than 548,000 applicants had already received payments of Rs2,000 each.

Sales tax on motorcycle ride services was reduced from 5% to 2% to support low-income riders.

For Karachi’s infrastructure, the cabinet approved a Rs6.5 billion grant for restoration of roads across 24 town municipal corporations. Murad Ali Shah directed immediate release of funds for the project.

An additional Rs2 billion was approved for completion of a phase of the S-III sewage treatment project, while Rs4 billion was allocated for improvement of the drainage system in Larkana.

The cabinet also cleared several local government development schemes, including Rs147.2 million for designing a 1.12-kilometre bridge over Indus River between Hyderabad and Kotri, Rs252.2 million for a cemetery in Hyderabad, Rs800 million for water supply lines in Qasimabad and Rs500 million for a sports complex in Latifabad.

Another Rs1.2 billion was approved for road expansion and drainage works, while Rs900 million was allocated for a drainage channel project.

In the health sector, the cabinet approved Rs635.48 million for establishment of a 50-bed trauma and emergency centre at Ghulam Muhammad Medical College Hospital Sukkur, which is expected to become operational by June 2026.

The cabinet also approved Rs80 million for an orphanage in Umerkot and Rs90 million for an Early Childhood Education building at St. Patrick’s High School Karachi.

An amount of Rs48.9 million was allocated for digitisation of district court cases and issuance of electronically certified copies. Funding was also approved for court buildings in Moro and support for Pir Ilahi Bux Law College in Dadu.

The meeting approved Rs86.5 million for operations of Sindh Job Portal and also cleared funding for “Indus AI Week 2026”.

The cabinet further approved Rs615.7 million for restructuring Sehwan Development Authority and allowed formation of an anti-encroachment tribunal for Shaheed Benazirabad Division. It also allocated 500 acres in Malir for development of a mega cemetery in Karachi.

The cabinet endorsed the World Bank-backed “Pak Flow” project aimed at reducing methane emissions at Jam Chakro landfill and generating carbon credits.

A China Desk will also be established in Investment Department to facilitate agreements following President Asif Ali Zardari’s recent visit to China.

The meeting additionally approved amendments to human rights laws, introducing “Business and Human Rights” principles and extending tenure of commission members.

New recruitment rules for Sindh education boards were also approved to introduce a standardised merit-based hiring process.

The cabinet concluded the meeting by approving several appointments, including Faisal Malik as Member (Finance and Policy) of Sindh Electric Power Regulatory Authority.