KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has announced a significant shortfall in federal transfers to the province, with Sindh receiving only Rs91 billion of the expected Rs175 billion by the end of June. This deficit of Rs85 billion places an additional burden on the province’s financial and developmental commitments.

According to Chief Minister Sindh, the revelation was made during a media interaction at NED University, following the inauguration of Sindh’s first Google Gemini for Education Corner. Mr. Shah underscored the challenges faced by Sindh due to the reduced federal transfers and emphasized the need for provincial autonomy in handling fiscal matters. He also reiterated the Pakistan Peoples Party’s longstanding efforts to reinforce local government institutions within Sindh, dismissing criticism from regions lacking such systems.

In addressing security concerns, Mr. Shah highlighted the province’s focus on intelligence-led measures and the enhancement of its security framework, despite no specific terrorist threats at present. He affirmed the provincial government’s high level of preparedness to safeguard public safety across Sindh.

Further, Mr. Shah expressed grave concerns over prolonged electricity outages affecting the province, particularly in Karachi, and called for immediate action to address the hardships faced by citizens. He also criticized the restrictions impeding the province’s ability to independently develop renewable energy projects, advocating for Sindh’s potential in wind and solar power.

Concluding his remarks, the Chief Minister reiterated the constitutional framework supporting provincial autonomy, asserting that subjects devolved under the 18th Amendment should remain with the provinces. He also highlighted the newly inaugurated Google AI Room at NED University as a pivotal development for equipping students with advanced technological skills, aligning with Sindh’s vision for innovation-driven progress.