KARACHI: The Sindh Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, has sanctioned a comprehensive package encompassing financial, infrastructure, energy, health, security, and education initiatives. These include an allocation of Rs8.825 billion for water and drainage schemes across the province and Rs11.198 billion for major infrastructure projects in Karachi.
According to Chief Minister Sindh, the cabinet meeting, held at CM House, was attended by provincial ministers and senior officials. The Cabinet Committee on Finance, led by Minister for Local Government Syed Nasir Shah, proposed Rs8.824 billion in additional funds for 16 Annual Development Programme schemes in the water supply and drainage sector for the financial year 2025-26. The funds will be sourced through re-appropriation from other allocations.
The cabinet’s approval extended to 11 non-ADP infrastructure schemes under the Karachi Mega Project, financed by the allocation for New Development Initiatives of the ADP 2025-26. These projects, estimated at Rs11.198 billion, include road improvements and the construction of two major bridges to enhance urban connectivity. Additionally, a non-ADP scheme for the rehabilitation of Dargah Qalandar Lal Shahbaz and adjacent areas was approved for Rs485 million.
In the energy sector, the cabinet endorsed a framework to receive the province’s 12.5% natural gas royalty in kind, expected to generate over Rs26 billion annually for Sindh. To finalise the framework, an inter-departmental committee will be formed.
Addressing healthcare, the cabinet approved the release of Rs395.019 million to settle outstanding liabilities with Integrated Health Services for outsourced healthcare facilities. The Sindh Nursing Workforce Strategic Policy 2026-2040 was also approved, aiming to strengthen the province’s nursing workforce.
In response to security needs, the cabinet revised the procurement plan for the Counter Terrorism Department, allocating Rs857.024 million for specialised equipment. Additionally, Rs171.205 million was approved for solar-powered street lighting on Shahrah-e-Bhutto.
The cabinet ratified the appointment of Ms. Rashida Siddiqui as Consultant to the Law Department and Barrister Syed Ghulam Shabbir Shah as Prosecutor General Sindh. Amendments to the Habib University Act and the draft charter of Fatimiyah International University were also approved to promote higher education and governance reforms.