Karachi – President of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Sindh chapter and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Sindh Assembly, Nisar Khuhro, on Friday strongly criticized the federal government for alleged injustices against Sindh in the recently announced budget. Speaking during the budget debate in the Sindh Assembly, Khuhro denounced the Rs. 100 billion shortfall in National Finance Commission (NFC) transfers to Sindh, the neglect of the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) project, inadequate funding for Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway, and the complete halt of financing for the RBOD (Right Bank Outfall Drain) project.
Khuhro stated that under the Constitution, the share of provinces in the NFC can be increased, but not reduced, calling the Rs. 100 billion cut a violation of Sindh’s constitutional rights. He argued that the failure of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to meet tax targets should not be penalized by reducing Sindh’s share in the NFC.
Regarding infrastructure projects, Khuhro expressed concern over the meager allocation of Rs. 15 billion for the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway, questioning how the major project could be completed with such limited funding. He also criticized the federal government’s disregard for the KCR project, which he said has been stalled due to lack of attention and resources.
The PPP leader condemned the federal government’s decision to impose a 10% tax on solar panels, calling it a cruel blow to the poor who rely on solar energy amid 14-hour daily power outages in Sindh. “In a province where electricity is barely available, taxing solar panels is akin to punishing the poor,” he said.
Addressing the growing debate on the creation of new provinces and administrative units, Khuhro rejected such proposals as divisive and based on prejudice. He emphasized that administrative units already exist in the form of divisions, and said the unity of Sindh must be preserved, declaring, “Sindh is one and it shall remain so.”
On the performance of the PAC, Khuhro reported that since July 2024, the committee has held 104 meetings and recovered Rs. 16 billion from federal and provincial departments, which has been deposited in the Sindh treasury. He revealed that PAC has also facilitated recovery of pending water bills from federal institutions on behalf of the Water Board.
Khuhro highlighted that K-Electric continues to collect electricity duties from consumers but has failed to transfer Rs. 31 billion of that revenue to the Sindh government. He vowed that this outstanding amount would be recovered.
Discussing the Sindh government’s budget priorities, Khuhro defended allocations for law and order, health, road infrastructure, and irrigation improvements. He praised the provision of free treatment for cardiac and other critical illnesses as a service to humanity and noted that increasing the health budget would benefit the masses.
He lamented the state of agriculture in Sindh, citing lack of investment and federal apathy toward food security and population control. While the local government budget exceeds Rs. 156 billion, Khuhro acknowledged the need for accountability in how these funds are utilized at grassroots levels. He called for biometric systems in local councils to identify ghost employees and questioned the presence of up to 76 clerks per union council, suggesting that staffing should be rationalized.
Khuhro dismissed opposition criticism of the budget as unconstructive, stating that the PPP is actively building 2.1 million homes for flood victims in Sindh. He recalled the tragedies of May 12 and October 18, questioning who was responsible at the time and demanding justice for the victims.
Commending PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s international advocacy, Khuhro said Bilawal has effectively represented Pakistan’s case on global platforms and acted against India’s violations of the Indus Waters Treaty. He criticized opposition parties for remaining inactive when the PPP led a campaign against controversial canal projects.
In conclusion, Khuhro emphasized that divisive politics and ethnic tensions would not take the country or province forward. He called for implementation of resolutions passed by the Sindh Assembly, and criticized the Senate for becoming a body of mere speeches due to lack of action on its resolutions.