KARACHI: Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Thursday approved a record Rs1.018 trillion development budget for 2025-26 during a high-level review meeting at the CM House, directing officials to accelerate progress on key schemes and ensure timely release of funds.
Of the total outlay, Rs85.5 billion has been allocated for major Karachi projects under the Local Government Department. These include water and sewerage initiatives such as K-IV, KWSSIP-II, Hub Canal rehabilitation, new storm-water drains and 228 related schemes. The CM instructed Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah to monitor implementation across all departments.
Shah said the provincial strategy for 2025-26 focuses on climate-resilient infrastructure, including reconstruction of flood-damaged schools, hospitals, roads and public buildings. The plan also emphasises climate-smart agriculture, improved value chains, enhanced irrigation, water conservation, access to safe drinking water, modern sewerage services and better intercity connectivity. Mass transit expansion, social protection programmes and SDG-aligned inclusive growth remain key pillars.
Officials briefed the meeting that 293 WASH and municipal service schemes worth Rs85.5 billion are part of the portfolio. Karachi initiatives such as K-IV, KWSSIP-II and storm-water drainage upgrades are included. Under the SPHF programme, WASH facilities will be built in 5,100 villages.
The Works and Services Department is executing 620 ongoing road schemes across the province. Major Karachi projects include the Korangi Causeway Bridge, underpasses, the Lyari Transformation Package and schemes under the CLICK programme. Rehabilitation of 970 km of flood-affected roads is underway.
Progress on BRT Red Line and BRT Yellow Line was reviewed, along with expansion of intra-city bus fleets and an increase in electric bikes for women. Shah directed Transport Minister Sharjeel Memon to submit a plan for additional electric buses and motorcycles.
Finance officials said funds have been released for the Sindh Solar Energy Project and off-grid solar home systems under the Rs25 billion renewable energy initiative.
The chief minister reviewed the Rs86 billion Sindh School Rehabilitation Project, upgrades to DHQ and THQ hospitals, trauma centres, new health facilities, Sukkur Women’s University, medical colleges and education reforms. He said he would personally inspect ongoing development works to ensure timely completion.
