For the second consecutive year, the Sindh government has not announced any new major development schemes for Karachi in its 2024-25 budget, prioritizing the completion of ongoing projects instead.
Despite recent demands by Mayor Murtaza Wahab for a comprehensive development package for Karachi, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has overlooked the city in the provincial budget of Rs3.056 trillion. According to budget documents, no new infrastructure projects are planned under the “Mega Schemes for Karachi City” category for 2023-24. Instead, Rs1.389 billion has been allocated to 11 ongoing mega schemes for 2024-25.
The largest allocation of Rs1 billion is for the construction of the Korangi Causeway. Other allocations include Rs100 million for a storm-water drain from M-9 to Thaddo Nalla via Mehran Drain, Rs81.2 million for rehabilitating Nehr-i-Khayam in Clifton, Rs75.09 million for road rehabilitation from Razakabad to Sheedi Goth Power House, Rs48.73 million for paving streets in Sachal Goth, Rs44.08 million for constructing a dual carriageway road from Nasir Brohi Hotel towards Mubarak Village, and Rs40.05 million for repairing Manzoor Colony drain.
Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, during his budget speech, announced funding for long-delayed projects such as the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR), Greater Karachi Sewerage Plan (S-III), and Greater Karachi Water Supply Scheme (K-IV). He clarified that no new schemes would be introduced in the next fiscal year’s Annual Development Programme (ADP) due to the impact of Basic Schedule of Rates (BSR) and Composite Schedule of Rates (CSR).
The Sindh government aims to complete as many ongoing projects as possible within the next fiscal year. Full funds have been provided to projects with over 70% expenditure or a current throw-forward of less than Rs50 million. Projects with throw-forward between Rs50 million and Rs100 million have received 50% allocation, while regular schemes received 20% of the current throw-forward due to fiscal constraints.
The chief minister also announced the continuation and expansion of the Peoples Bus Service initiative, with plans to add 500 eco-friendly electric buses on a rent-to-own model. Rs3.66 billion has been allocated to keep the Peoples Bus Service operational in 2024-25, with Rs2.79 billion allocated for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Red Line project and Rs69.7 million for the Yellow Line.
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leaders expressed strong dissatisfaction with the budget. JI-Karachi chief Munem Zafar criticized the PPP for neglecting Karachi and failing to launch new development projects. He highlighted the lack of sufficient funds for crucial projects like the K-IV water supply and the KCR, calling the Rs45 million allocation for KCR a joke.
MQM-P Leader of the Opposition Ali Khursheedi also rejected the budget, stating that their MPAs would protest during the budget debate. Despite this, he emphasized MQM-P’s desire to maintain a good working relationship with the PPP and to advocate for Sindh democratically.
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon defended the budget, stating that it prioritizes crucial initiatives and includes provisions for every important sector to alleviate people’s suffering. He noted that the budget addresses the largest flood-affected housing project in the country’s history.
