KARACHI: The Sindh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, has greenlit several major financial packages aimed at urban rehabilitation, social justice, and administrative accountability.
Major Infrastructure & Relief Allocations
The cabinet approved a substantial sum of Rs. 8.53 billion specifically for the restoration and repair of Karachi’s road network. Additionally, following recommendations from the Finance Committee presented by Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah, Rs. 7 billion was approved as compensation for the affectees of the Gul Plaza fire incident.
In other financial decisions, Rs. 1.57 billion was allocated for the preservation of a historic building on I.I. Chundrigar Road, while a Rs. 5.20 billion grant was approved for the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation. Furthermore, Rs. 560 million will be provided to the Sindh Police for operations in the Katcha areas, and Rs. 900 million was sanctioned for Phase-II of the Peoples IT Program to boost youth training and employment.
Empowering Women: Women Agriculture Workers Rules 2026
In a landmark move, the cabinet discussed the Women Agriculture Workers Rules 2026. This framework aims to protect the rights of women working in the agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors.
Under these rules, the government will ensure equal pay, fixed working hours, maternity benefits, and full access to healthcare and nutrition. The rules also grant women the right to written contracts, the right to form associations, and strict protection against workplace harassment. The cabinet also initiated the Benazir Women Agriculture Worker Card and Support Program to formalize these benefits. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah emphasized that violations would be prosecuted in labor courts, asserting that protecting women’s rights is a top priority. A committee led by the Ministers of Agriculture and Labor has been formed to finalize the recommendations.
Accountability: Chairman UC-16 Sukkur Dismissed
Demonstrating a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, the cabinet approved the dismissal of Shafqatullah Bhutto, Chairman of Union Council 16 Baiji Sharif, Sukkur.
An inquiry initiated by Vice Chairman Ali Asghar Kalhoro found Bhutto guilty of severe corruption, mismanagement, and failure to approve the UC budget, which resulted in the non-payment of salaries and pensions. The matter will be referred to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for by-elections. In the interim, the Vice Chairman has been assigned the Chairman’s duties to ensure the immediate payment of all pending dues.
