Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah speaks during a press conference on Wednesday. Photo: NNI
KARACHI:
The Sindh cabinet has approved a comprehensive austerity and fuel conservation plan in its meeting with Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah in the chair. The cabinet also approved a series of governance, economic, social protection, and education reforms aimed at addressing the prevailing energy situation and strengthening public service delivery across the province.
Provincial ministers, advisors, special assistants, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, and relevant administrative secretaries attended the meeting, held at the CM House.
Later addressing a press conference, Sindh Senior 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 institutional strengthening.
According to the senior minister, the cabinet approved launch of austerity and fuel conservation drive, ensuring efficient use of energy resources in view of the prevailing economic pressures.
Under the plan, the government has reduced fuel allocations for official vehicles by 50 per cent for two months, a step expected to save around Rs960.55 million. Operational vehicles such as ambulances, buses and emergency services will however be exempted from the restriction. In addition, 60 per cent of official vehicles in government departments will remain grounded, while departments have been directed to promote carpooling system.
Provincial ministers, advisers and special assistants have voluntarily decided to waive their salaries and allowances for three months.
Senior government officials in BS-20 and above earning more than Rs300,000 per month have also been encouraged to voluntarily forgo two days’ salary, except those serving in the health and education sectors.
There will be a complete ban on the purchase of new vehicles until June 2026. Procurement of IT equipment will only be allowed under scrutiny by the relevant authorities.
The government has also imposed a ban on official foreign visits, except in unavoidable cases. Officials undertaking official travel will be required to travel in economy class.
Government departments have been directed to conduct meetings through virtual or online platforms to minimise travel and lodging expenses.
The government has approved work from home arrangements for up to 50 per cent of staff on alternate days, except for essential services.
These measures will not apply to the banking sector, industry and agriculture, which will continue normal operations.
Colleges and universities will shift to 100 per cent online classes during this period.
The number of guests allowed at wedding functions and public gatherings has been restricted to 200, with the one-dish rule strictly enforced.
The cabinet also approved the landmark Student Attendance Monitoring and Redress System (SAMRS) Policy, a technology-based initiative designed to address student absenteeism and rising dropout rates.
To stabilise wheat supply and prices, the cabinet approved the expansion of the wheat release policy to include private traders, in addition to flour mills and chakkis.
Licensed traders will receive wheat at government-notified rate of Rs8,000 per 100-kg bag. Around 300,115 tons of wheat are currently available for release, which could generate Rs30.398 billion in sales and help reduce the province’s wheat debt of Rs109.405 billion.
The cabinet approved the allotment of four acres of state land in Deh Khanto, Taluka Ibrahim Hyderi, District Malir, for the establishment of a nursing school attached to the Hasan Suleman Memorial Hospital.
In addition, the cabinet approved Rs2.14 billion in financial support for the hospital following an expansion of its covered area from 250,000 to 325,000 square feet and a rise in construction costs.
The 312-bed tertiary care hospital, located on the National Highway (N-5), will provide specialised healthcare services to residents of Karachi and surrounding districts. The CM said that the funding will be released from the 2026-27 fiscal year, subject to a matching contribution by the Hasan Suleman Foundation.
The cabinet approved the Sindh Women Agricultural Workers Rules, 2026, developed with technical assistance from the International Labour Organisation.
The rules formally recognise women’s contributions in farming, livestock and fisheries, ensuring equal wages, maternity benefits and protection against harassment and discrimination.
Agricultural Worker Card for worker registration and the establishment of a BWSP Endowment Fund with an initial allocation of Rs500 million to support female agricultural workers.
