Sindh Food Minister Makhdoom Mehboob Zaman terms Sindh Budget balanced, people-friendly

Sindh Food Minister Makhdoom Mehboob Zaman on Tuesday said that despite challenging economic conditions, the Sindh Government has presented a balanced, people-friendly and development-oriented budget aimed at promoting public welfare, economic stability, social protection and sustainable growth

KARACHI, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Jun, 2026) Sindh Food Minister Makhdoom Mehboob Zaman on Tuesday said that despite challenging economic conditions, the Sindh Government has presented a balanced, people-friendly and development-oriented budget aimed at promoting public welfare, economic stability, social protection and sustainable growth.

While speaking on the Budget 2026-27 in the Sindh Assembly, Mehboob Zaman said that no new taxes have been imposed in the budget, while the increase in salaries, pensions and minimum wages reflects the government's commitment to providing relief to the people.

The Food Minister said substantial funds are being allocated for development projects from Karachi to Kashmore and from Thar to Sukkur, while historic investments are being made in education, health, infrastructure and public service sectors.

He said that the government's foremost priority is to ensure that the benefits of development and prosperity reach every citizen of Sindh. Makhdoom Mehboob said Sindh remains the hub of Pakistan's economy, energy and trade, and therefore its constitutional and financial rights, including the NFC Award and gas royalty, should be ensured in accordance with the Constitution and principles of justice. Highlighting reforms in the food sector, the minister said that for the first time, wheat procurement was carried out directly from Hari Card holders and not a single complaint was received throughout the process.

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Payments were made directly to farmers through Sindh Bank, ensuring transparency and strengthening confidence in the procurement system. He further stated that the traditional Bardana procurement system was abolished for the first time and its cost was incorporated into the wheat support price.

The Food Minister announced that complete digitalization of the Food Department is among the government's top priorities and a major initiative in this regard will soon be unveiled.

Speaking about accountability measures, Makhdoom Mehboobuz Zaman said the department is pursuing a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, embezzlement and financial irregularities. He informed the House that action has been taken against 100 officers and officials involved in wheat corruption and theft cases.

As a result, 20 officers have been dismissed from service, 21 suspended, while show-cause proceedings are underway against 61 others. He added that criminal cases would also be registered against those found involved in corruption.

He also called for the completion of the Makhdoom Talib-ul-Moula Medical College project on a priority basis, stressed the need for establishing a Chest Pain Unit in Hala, and emphasized strengthening the Sufism University in Bhit Shah as an important academic and cultural institution.