Sindh CM signals no support for federal budget over unaddressed concerns

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has warned that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) will not support the federal budget unless the federal government addresses Sindh’s concerns.

Speaking at a post-budget press conference in Karachi, he criticised the federal government for dissolving the Public Works Department (PWD) in Sindh and allocating its projects and funds to other provinces, leaving Sindh deprived.

Murad Ali Shah outlined three key demands: equal allocation of development schemes for Sindh, increased funding for universities, and higher budgetary allocation for the Sukkur-Hyderabad motorway project. He also opposed the 18% tax on solar panels.

He made it clear that the PPP will withhold its vote unless Sindh’s issues are resolved and urged the federal government to stop treating Sindh’s urban areas like colonies.

He added that Sindh was informed just one day before the budget about a reduction of Rs 10.5 billion in its share. Despite financial constraints, salary increases were granted to government employees.