The Sindh Assembly has recently approved the provincial budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, with a total outlay of Rs3.056 trillion and developmental expenditures amounting to Rs959 billion. However, the budget session turned chaotic as opposition lawmakers’ proposals were rejected, leading to a protest within the assembly hall.
Despite strong disapproval from the opposition, the finance bill was moved and approved with a majority vote, prompting opposition members to tear up copies of the bill and exit the assembly in protest. The ruling alliance dismissed all proposals put forward by the opposition, leading to a confrontation during the session chaired by Speaker Syed Owais Qadir Shah.
The budget anticipates revenues of Rs3 trillion, with a significant portion expected from federal transfers and provincial receipts. Additionally, Rs142.5 billion has been allocated for public sector investments. Opposition lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with the bill’s passage, criticizing the government for disregarding their proposals and raising concerns about the potential impact of increased professional taxes on essential services.
In response to the opposition’s criticism, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah concluded the budget debate by emphasizing the provincial government’s priorities, upcoming projects, and the overall socio-economic situation in the province. The budget session, which saw participation from 131 members in the 168-member House, concluded amidst heightened tensions and opposition outcry.
