Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has voiced strong concerns about the federal government’s ongoing neglect of Sindh’s development needs, warning that their political and financial support isn’t a given. Speaking in Karachi on Saturday, Shah criticized the federal government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, for dismantling the Pakistan Public Works Department (PWD), calling the move detrimental to local infrastructure planning and disrespectful to the province. Sharif had ordered the PWD’s abolition in 2024 due to its poor performance.
Shah emphasized that Sindh expects to be treated as an equal member of the federation and stated that Sindh’s support for the federal budget is conditional. He referenced Bilawal Bhutto’s stance, asserting that Sindh expects its fair share of development projects in return for its vote. He made it clear that if Sindh’s needs are not met, the federal government should proceed with the budget without their support. “If we are treated like stepchildren, we know how to fight for our rights,” he added.
His comments come after Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presented the federal budget for fiscal year 2025-26, which includes Rs1 trillion for the federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), with roughly 30% earmarked for transport infrastructure.
Shah also addressed what he described as a misinformation campaign targeting the Shahrah-e-Bhutto project, dismissing claims of dacoit activity as exaggerated. He affirmed the Sindh government’s commitment to infrastructure development, highlighting the Karachi Port to Qayyumabad link road project, which he said has the full support of the Karachi business community. Finally, he defended the Pakistan Peoples Party’s development record, confident that the people can see the tangible progress they’ve made.
