Sindh CM presents Rs2.2 tr budget with focus on flood rehabilitation

Karachi: In a bid to aid those affected by floods and prioritize their rehabilitation, the Chief Minister of Sindh, Murad Ali Shah, presented a budget of Rs2.2 trillion for the fiscal year 2023-24.

The budget focuses on the development of infrastructure and social protection for the impoverished. During his budget speech, the Chief Minister acknowledged the additional burden faced by the province due to natural disasters and floods.

Addressing the devastating flood that engulfed a significant portion of the country the previous year, CM Murad highlighted that Rs87 billion had been allocated for flood rehabilitation through the provincial Annual Development Programme. He further mentioned a conference organized by the Sindh government in Karachi, following the Geneva conference, to encourage investors to contribute to the restoration of infrastructure.

Providing an overview of the budget, the Chief Minister stated that the provincial government's total receipts were estimated to be around Rs2.21 trillion, reflecting a 31.56% increase from the previous financial year (2022-2023). The proposed expenditures amount to Rs2.2 trillion, resulting in a deficit of Rs37.795 billion.

CM Murad shed light on the extensive damage caused by the floods, including the destruction of approximately 4.4 million acres of agricultural land and severe disruptions to 60% of the road network.