Sindh Assembly Approves Rs3,450 Billion Budget for 2025-26

The Sindh Assembly on Wednesday passed a record breaking Rs3,450 billion budget for the financial year 2025-26.  This bill showed a 12.9% increase in overall expenditure compared to the previous year.

Historic Unity in Sindh Assembly

In a rare show of unity both government and opposition benches cooperated during the budget session. Even more surprising was a cut motion moved by treasury members themselves, questioning the Rs8 billion allocated for salary hikes of judicial staff, something traditionally done by the opposition.

What Was Passed in Sindh Budget 2025?

• Annual Budget 2025-26
  
• Sindh Finance Bill 2025
  
• 188 Demands for Grants for various departments
  
• Supplementary Grants for 2024-25
  

CM Murad Ali Shah: A Growth-Oriented, People-Friendly Budget

Presenting the budget, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah described it as a forward-looking, responsible and inclusive fiscal plan that aims to increase growth, reduce inequality and increase efficiency in governance.

Opposition Welcomes the Sindh Budget 2025

• Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi expressed hope that the government would improve in areas where it had fallen short.
  
• JI’s Muhammad Farooq praised the democratic process and appreciated the CM for respectfully listening to criticism.
  
• PTI-backed Shabbir Qureshi hoped the budget would usher in a new era of development in Sindh.
  

Major Relief Measures in Sindh Finance Bill

The Sindh Finance Bill for 2025-26 includes wide ranging relief efforts targeting farmers, transporters, small businesses and the general public.

For Farmers:

• Cotton Fee abolished (due to 30.7% drop in production)
  
• Drainage Cess removed to help with poor weather and crop yield losses
  
• Reduced fees (by 50%) for services like:
  
  • Mutation certificate
    
  • Heirship certificate
    
  • Sales and solvency certificates
    

For Transport Sector:

• Flat annual tax on commercial vehicles cut to Rs1,000
  
• 50% cut in tax for commercial vehicle documentation
  

For Public:

• Motorbike riders exempted from mandatory insurance
  
• Stamp duty on third-party insurance down to Rs50
  

For Entertainment Sector:

• Entertainment duty abolished on cinemas, theatres, cultural events, water parks and art councils
  

A Pro-People Budget

CM Murad Ali Shah concluded by saying that the budget sends a strong message about the province’s commitment to economic growth, supporting vulnerable groups and building long-term resilience.

Also read this: Punjab Govt. Announces Rs 5.33 Trillion Budget for 2025-26