In a significant move aimed at addressing the growing financial pressures faced by public sector workers, the Sindh cabinet has approved a salary increase for government employees in the province. The salary hike is part of the Sindh Government’s Budget 2025–26 and reflects the administration’s response to the ongoing inflationary pressures that have impacted household incomes across the board. The decision was taken during a high-level cabinet meeting held on Friday, with Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah presiding over the session.
As per the official announcement, the government employees in pay grades 1 to 16 will receive a 12% increase in their basic salaries, while those falling in the higher brackets of grades 17 to 22 will benefit from a 10% salary hike. This differentiated increment structure seems to reflect the government’s intention to provide greater relief to lower and mid-tier employees who are more vulnerable to the impact of inflation. The approval of these raises ahead of the new fiscal year is being viewed as a welcome move by many, especially given the economic uncertainty that has gripped the nation in recent years.
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Alongside the salary increase, the Sindh government is also gearing up to unveil its complete budget for the fiscal year 2025–26. The official presentation of the budget is scheduled for today (Friday) at 3:00 PM in the Sindh Assembly in Karachi. Interestingly, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, who also holds the portfolio of Finance, will be personally presenting the budget document. This move is consistent with past practices where the CM has taken an active role in budget presentation and fiscal planning.
One of the most notable components of the new budget is the expansion of the province’s Annual Development Program (ADP), which has been revised upwards from Rs493 billion to Rs503 billion. This allocation reflects the government’s renewed focus on infrastructure and social sector development, with a specific aim to push economic growth and improve public service delivery. Out of this total, Rs183 billion has been specifically earmarked for new development schemes, indicating that the government is keen to initiate fresh projects instead of just continuing old ones.
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Moreover, Rs45 billion has been proposed under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) fund, which is a dedicated allocation for projects suggested by elected MNAs and MPAs. This provision is intended to help lawmakers address urgent and localized development issues within their constituencies. It’s expected to not only promote grassroots-level engagement but also ensure that key national and international development benchmarks are being met.
In terms of regional development, each divisional headquarters city will be receiving a development package of Rs7 billion. This move is being seen as a strategy to reduce the development gap between urban centers and other parts of Sindh. Through these city-specific allocations, the government hopes to upgrade infrastructure, improve public utilities, and facilitate better civic services.
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The education and health sectors—often considered the backbone of human development—are also receiving considerable attention in this year’s budget proposals. The education development budget is proposed to increase from Rs32 billion to Rs38 billion, while the health sector’s development funds are expected to rise from Rs18 billion to Rs21 billion. These proposed increases highlight the provincial government’s efforts to address chronic challenges in these critical sectors, such as outdated facilities, lack of resources, and growing population demands.
The Sindh Budget 2025–26, with its emphasis on employee welfare, infrastructure expansion, and social development, sets the tone for a development-focused year. While economic challenges remain daunting, especially with rising costs and fiscal pressures, the cabinet’s decisions reflect a balanced approach—offering relief to employees while pushing forward an ambitious development agenda.
In summary, the Sindh government’s budget for 2025–26 presents a comprehensive vision to tackle both economic hardship and developmental needs. The salary hikes for government employees are likely to bring immediate relief, while the increased investment in development projects signals long-term commitment to progress and prosperity across the province.
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Final Thoughts:
The Sindh cabinet’s decision to raise government salaries in the new budget comes at a critical time when inflation has made it harder for families to make ends meet. By boosting salaries and raising allocations for health, education, and development, the government is attempting to strike a much-needed balance between fiscal responsibility and public welfare. Whether these measures will deliver the desired results will depend largely on their implementation. But for now, this is a positive and people-friendly budget announcement that offers hope for better days ahead.