Murad Ali Shah

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah stated that the NFC share allocated to provinces declined this year due to their financial support to the federal government. The Sindh government allocated Rs9 billion for Karachi’s industrial zones, including Rs2 billion for KATI, while concerns were raised about the Yellow Line BRT project's impact on Korangi Industrial Area.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed for Iran to attend the funeral of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in a US-Israeli strike. He is accompanied by senior officials including the National Assembly Speaker and Foreign Minister. The visit aims to express solidarity with Iran and reaffirm Pakistan's support.

Provincial chief ministers in Pakistan reaffirmed commitments to prison reforms during a Supreme Court-hosted conference, emphasizing reduced incarceration, improved infrastructure, and human dignity. The National Judicial Policy-Making Committee facilitated the event, resulting in the Islamabad Declaration on Prison Reforms, which underscores shared institutional responsibility and provincial leadership in overhauling the justice system.

Fourteen under-trial prisoners escaped from a prison van during transport to Adiala jail in Rawalpindi after overpowering security guards. Four escapees were re-arrested, while police continue searching for the remaining 10. The incident prompted an inquiry and references to prior prison escapes in Rawalpindi and Karachi.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accused India of using covert tactics and proxies to destabilize Pakistan, citing a May conflict as a catalyst. He emphasized Pakistan's resolve to counter foreign-sponsored terrorism and uphold peace while addressing security challenges. The speech also highlighted the Pakistan Navy's adoption of advanced technologies and addressed graduating naval cadets.

Sindh's proposed Rs3.5 trillion budget projects a Rs37 billion deficit, with development spending cut by 30% despite infrastructure gaps. Literacy and school enrollment rates in Sindh remain significantly lower than in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the province has failed to improve key development indicators over 15 years of PPP governance.

Sindh unveils a Rs3.56 trillion budget for 2026-27 with a Rs36.9 billion deficit, featuring no new taxes, a 7% salary and pension increase, and a minimum wage hike to Rs43,000. The budget prioritizes development projects in Karachi and transportation infrastructure, including Rs13.2 billion for the Red Line BRT and over Rs3.5 billion for the Yellow Line.

The Sindh cabinet approved the 2026-27 provincial budget, which includes measures to address poverty and set a minimum wage for workers. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah emphasized catering to all classes and improving fiscal efficiency ahead of presenting the budget in the Sindh Assembly.