Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah addresses a press conference on Wednesday. Photo: NNI
KARACHI:
The Sindh cabinet approved a comprehensive austerity and fuel economy plan in its meeting under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. The cabinet also approved a series of reforms in governance, economy, social welfare and education aimed at addressing the current energy situation and strengthening public service delivery across the province.
Provincial ministers, advisors, special assistants, chief secretary Asif Hyder Shah and administrative secretaries concerned attended the meeting held at the CM House.
Later addressing a press conference, Sindh Chief Minister Sharjeel Inam memon mentioned that the cabinet considered a 23-point agenda, approving measures related to fiscal discipline, fuel conservation, education reforms, women’s rights, agriculture, healthcare and institution building.
According to the Minister of State, the cabinet approved the launch of an austerity and fuel economy campaign, ensuring efficient use of energy resources in view of current economic pressures.
As part of the plan, the government has reduced fuel allowances for official vehicles by 50 percent for two months, a move expected to save around Rs 960.55 million. Operational vehicles such as ambulances, buses and emergency services will, however, be exempt from the restriction. In addition, 60 percent of ministries’ official vehicles will remain grounded, while ministries have been ordered to promote the carpooling system.
Provincial ministers, advisors and special assistants have voluntarily decided to give up their salaries and allowances for three months.
Senior civil servants of BS-20 and above earning more than Rs 300,000 per month have also been encouraged to voluntarily forgo two days’ salary, except those working in the health and education sectors.
The purchase of new vehicles will be completely prohibited until June 2026. The purchase of computer equipment will only be authorized under the control of the competent authorities.
The government has also banned official visits abroad except in unavoidable cases. Civil servants traveling on official business will be required to travel in economy class.
Government ministries have been asked to hold meetings via virtual or online platforms to minimize travel and accommodation costs.
The government has approved working from home for up to 50 percent of staff every other day, except for essential services.
These measures will not apply to the banking sector, industry and agriculture, which will continue their normal activities.
Colleges and universities will transition to 100% online courses during this period.
The number of guests allowed at weddings and public gatherings has been limited to 200, with the one-dish rule strictly enforced.
The cabinet also approved the landmark Student Monitoring and Recourse System (SAMRS) policy, a technology-based initiative designed to combat student absenteeism and rising dropout rates.
In order to stabilize the supply and prices of wheat, the cabinet approved the expansion of the wheat liberalization policy to include private traders, in addition to flour mills and chakkis.
Authorized traders will get wheat at the government announced rate of Rs 8,000 per 100 kg bag. Around 300,115 tonnes of wheat are currently available for sale, which could generate Rp30.398 billion in sales and help reduce the province’s wheat debt of Rp109.405 billion.
The cabinet approved the allocation of four acres of state land in Deh Khanto, Taluka Ibrahim Hyderi, Malir district, for the establishment of a nursing college attached to the Hasan Suleman Memorial Hospital.
Besides, the cabinet approved financial support of Rs2.14 billion for the hospital following an expansion of its covered area from 250,000 to 325,000 square feet and an increase in construction costs.
The 312-bed tertiary care hospital, located on National Highway (N-5), will provide specialized healthcare services to residents of Karachi and surrounding districts. The CM said the funding will be released from the financial year 2026-27, subject to a matching contribution from the Hasan Suleman Foundation.
The cabinet approved the Sindh Women Agricultural Workers Rules, 2026, prepared with the technical assistance of the International Labor Organization.
The rules formally recognize women’s contribution to agriculture, livestock and fishing, ensuring equal pay, maternity benefits and protection against harassment and discrimination.
Farm Worker Card for registration of workers and establishment of BWSP endowment fund with an initial allocation of Rs 500 million to support women farm workers.
