Sindh cabinet approves major reforms, development projects and wheat procurement plan

Sindh cabinet approves major reforms, development projects and wheat procurement plan
Decisions include Katcha land survey for security, Rs. 13.9bn K-IV power plan, Rs. 221bn wheat financing, infrastructure upgrades, health institutes, and Inclusive City project for special persons
KARACHI (March 31): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah chaired a meeting of the provincial cabinet that approved a wide-ranging set of policy decisions and development initiatives aimed at strengthening governance, boosting infrastructure, ensuring food security, and accelerating socio-economic development across the province.
The meeting, held at the CM House, was attended by provincial ministers, advisors, special assistants, and senior officials, including Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah and Principal Secretary to CM Agha Wasif and other concerned officers.
Senior Minister for Information Sharjeel Inam Memon, accompanied by Home Minister Ziul Hassan Lanjar, briefed the media and shared the decisions taken by the cabinet.

Katcha areas survey
The cabinet, in principle, approved a comprehensive survey of Katcha (riverine) areas to strengthen security, improve land governance, and support the government’s ongoing surrender policy.
The CM said that the decision to survey Katcha (riverine) areas aims to address long-standing discrepancies in land records reported among revenue offices, the Forest Department, and various federal agencies. He said that the survey will establish a digitised and accurate record of land ownership and usage, enabling authorities to clearly identify lawful occupants and curb illegal encroachments in sensitive riverine regions.
The project, estimated at Rs. 705 million, will be executed in collaboration with the Survey of Pakistan on a government-to-government basis. To fast-track implementation, the cabinet approved an exemption under the Sindh Public Procurement law, allowing immediate commencement of work.
Given the security situation in Larkana and Sukkur divisions, the timeline has been reduced from 25 months to 15.5 months, with multiple directorates operating simultaneously to expedite completion. The survey will employ modern geospatial technologies, including satellite imagery, GIS mapping, and advanced geodetic equipment.
The project will be carried out in two phases. The first phase will focus on boundary identification and GIS mapping of Katcha lands, while the second phase will involve detailed cadastral mapping of 624 dehs, demarcation of land parcels, and collection of ownership data.
To ensure transparency and financial discipline, the cabinet directed that the project be processed as a Non-ADP scheme through the Planning & Development Department rather than as a grant-in-aid.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah underscored that the initiative is critical for restoring writ of the state in Katcha areas, noting that clear identification of land ownership is essential to distinguish between legitimate settlers and criminal elements, thereby ensuring the success of the surrender policy and long-term peace in the region.
K-IV Power Project Financing Plan
The Sindh Cabinet also approved a comprehensive financing and execution plan for the power component of the Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme (K-IV), removing key bottlenecks to ensure the timely completion of the vital water project.
To overcome financing constraints, the cabinet approved shifting from a loan-based model to a Grant-in-Aid mechanism for the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC). A total grant of Rs. 13.9 billion was sanctioned to fund critical power infrastructure, including a 132 KV grid station, a 26-kilometre transmission line, an 11 KV distribution network, and a staff colony to support a 50 MW electricity load approved by HESCO.
Out of the total allocation, Rs. 3.47 billion will be released in the current financial year (2025–26) for Phase-I, while Rs. 10.43 billion will be allocated in the 2026–27 budget for Phase-II.
The Sindh Transmission and Dispatch Company (STDC) will own, operate, and maintain the power infrastructure, with KWSC directed to immediately transfer funds to ensure smooth execution.
To ensure sustainability, the Government of Sindh will initially bear monthly electricity payments of approximately Rs. 1 billion to HESCO and Rs. 74 million to STDC for operational costs. The chief minister directed KWSC to improve its revenue recovery system so that it can gradually take over these financial responsibilities.
The decision is expected to significantly accelerate progress on the K-IV project, which is crucial for addressing Karachi’s long-standing water shortage and ensuring a reliable bulk water supply to the city.
Wheat procurement policy
The Sindh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, approved the Wheat Procurement Policy for the Rabi 2025–26 season, setting a target of 1.0 million metric tons (MMT) to ensure food security and maintain price stability across the province.
The cabinet fixed the indicative wheat price at Rs. 3,500 per 40 kg, in line with international parity and estimated import costs. To promote transparency and directly benefit genuine farmers, procurement will be limited to over 332,000 growers registered under the Sindh Wheat Growers Support Program, who had earlier received DAP fertiliser subsidy.
Under the policy, the government will procure five 100-kg bags per acre from registered farmers, covering a total cultivated area of approximately 1.94 million acres. Farmers will be allowed to use their own quality-certified bardana (50 kg and 100 kg bags), with compensation of Rs. 60 and Rs. 100 per bag, respectively.
To eliminate middlemen, payments for wheat procurement and bardana will be directly transferred into farmers’ verified bank accounts. The cabinet also approved an increase in the Cash Credit Limit to Rs. 221 billion to facilitate commodity financing for the April–June 2026 period.
Wheat procurement centres will be established across Sindh, with operations commencing from April 1, 2026. The chief minister emphasised that the policy is designed to support small farmers while building a strategic wheat reserve to stabilise flour prices throughout the year, directing the Food Department to ensure immediate and effective implementation.
Infrastructure & Development Push:
The cabinet endorsed multiple infrastructure projects, including Rs. 2.55 billion for the repair of Malir Halt–Ghaghar Phatak road, Rs. 888 million for flood-damaged infrastructure rehabilitation, and Rs. 1.96 billion for key road widening projects, approval of the M-9 interchange to complete the N-5 link road
Additionally, Rs. 1.45 billion was sanctioned for Lyari’s road and drainage rehabilitation under a broader transformation plan.
Education, Youth & Social Initiatives
The cabinet approved Rs 100 million for a modern stadium at St. Patrick’s School Karachi, Phase-II of Thar Institute (NED Campus) costing Rs. 6.63 billion, Reimbursement of over Rs. 3.4 billion in student fees (in principle) and Rs. 4.33 billion for 98 SDG-related development schemes
Shrines sites development
The Cabinet approved important development initiatives to improve facilities at major religious sites across the province.
The CM sanctioned Rs. 51.52 million for the establishment of a library at the shrine of Sachal Sarmast in Daraza Sharif, Khairpur. Additionally, Rs. 33.68 million was approved for infrastructure upgrades at the shrine of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, including road rehabilitation and installation of a 200 KVA transformer at Bhit Shah.
The chief minister approved the immediate release of 25 per cent funds to initiate both projects.
Tourism & Museum Projects
In a move to modernise tourism infrastructure and preserve Sindh’s cultural heritage, the cabinet approved several landmark initiatives.
A state-of-the-art Karachi Museum will be established near Beach View in collaboration with the Citizens Archive of Pakistan, with Rs. 655.9 million allocated for its development. The museum will showcase Sindh’s 5,000-year history and Pakistan’s independence narrative.
The cabinet also approved Upgradation of Hawksbay Resort into a modern capsule resort. And Rs 305.6 million for the modernisation of Sindh Museum, Hyderabad
A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will oversee the Karachi Museum project, which will initially be managed by the Citizens Archive of Pakistan for five years.
Inclusive City Project
The cabinet approved a special procurement framework to accelerate the 75-acre Inclusive City project in Korangi, aimed at providing world-class facilities for persons with disabilities.
To ensure timely execution, the cabinet allowed flexible contracting while mandating strict oversight through technical scrutiny, independent cost vetting, and continuous monitoring. Recruitment and procurement processes will follow public sector governance rules.
Major Health sector reforms
In a significant step to strengthen healthcare, the cabinet approved two landmark laws to establish autonomous institutions, including Benazir Institute of Urology & Transplant (BIUT), Nawabshah, to provide advanced treatment and training in kidney and urological diseases. And Sindh Institute of Reproductive Health (SIRH), Karachi, to address maternal and reproductive health challenges
Both institutions will function under independent boards, focusing on research, postgraduate training, and high-quality patient care.
NED University to Oversee Safe City Project
The cabinet approved the appointment of NED University of Engineering and Technology as a third-party consultant for the Karachi Safe City Project’s C5ISR command centre.
A consultancy cost of Rs. 130 million was approved to supervise and validate construction works, enabling the long-delayed project to resume and meet international standards.
Livestock sector modernisation initiative
The cabinet approved a strategic partnership with Green Corporate Livestock Initiative under the SIFC framework to modernise livestock through advanced breeding technologies.
The five-year programme will introduce sexed semen and embryo transfer technology, improve milk production, and enhance farmers’ incomes. An initial Rs. 100 million has been allocated, with Rs. 200 million earmarked for next year.
M-9 Interchange to Improve Connectivity
To resolve key infrastructure bottlenecks, the chief minister approved Rs. 1.235 billion for the construction of an interchange on the M-9 Motorway, completing the N-5 link road. “The project will significantly reduce travel time and facilitate smoother movement of heavy and commercial traffic between major highways,” the CM said.
Lyari Infrastructure Rehabilitation Plan
The cabinet approved Rs. 1.45 billion for the rehabilitation of roads and underground utilities in Lyari, funded through compensation provided by Sui Southern Gas Company.
The project, to be executed with technical support from NESPAK, will improve mobility, drainage, and essential services under the broader Lyari Transformation Plan.
Legal Reforms & Judicial Appointments
Aligning with constitutional changes, the cabinet approved amendments to the Sindh Criminal Prosecution Service Act, reducing the minimum age requirement for the Prosecutor General from 45 to 40 years.
The cabinet also ratified key appointments, including Justice (retd) Naimatullah Phulphoto as Chairman, Sindh Services Tribunal and Haleem Ahmed as Special Judge, Anti-Corruption Court, Larkana
These decisions reflect the Sindh government’s comprehensive approach to governance, combining infrastructure development, social welfare, institutional reforms, and economic modernisation to deliver tangible benefits to the people, the chief minister concluded.