The Sindh government is set to propose an Annual Development Programme (ADP) of nearly Rs720 billion for fiscal year 2026-27, with major allocations planned for local government, infrastructure, irrigation, transport, education and health sectors, according to budget documents obtained by 24NewsHD ahead of Wednesday's budget presentation.
The documents show a proposed total development programme of Rs719.88 billion, comprising Rs380 billion from provincial resources, Rs256 billion in foreign project assistance and Rs64.33 billion expected from federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) grants.
According to the proposed allocations, the Works and Services Department is expected to receive the largest share of development spending, with Rs143.33 billion earmarked for infrastructure projects across the province.
The Local Government Department is proposed to receive Rs110.19 billion, while Rs63.33 billion has been earmarked for irrigation projects aimed at improving water management and agricultural productivity.
The Sindh government is also planning to allocate Rs43.64 billion for transport and mass transit projects under the upcoming development programme.
Sindh ADP 2026-27
Proposed development programme obtained by 24NewsHD ahead of budget presentation
Funding Sources
Energy
Rs15.63bn
Karachi Projects
Rs10.04bn
Planning & Development
Rs9.95bn
Human Rights
Rs6.30bn
Livestock & Fisheries
Rs6.17bn
Agriculture
Rs4.97bn
Education and health remain among the priority sectors in the proposed ADP.
Budget documents show that Rs41.44 billion has been proposed for school education development projects, while Rs39.17 billion has been earmarked for the health sector.
The Energy Department is expected to receive Rs15.63 billion, including Rs10.50 billion for Thar coal infrastructure projects and Rs4.22 billion for related energy infrastructure development.
According to the documents, Rs10.04 billion has been proposed for Karachi mega projects, while Rs9.95 billion has been earmarked for Planning and Development initiatives.
The Finance Department is expected to receive Rs9.22 billion under the proposed ADP.
The provincial government also plans to allocate Rs6.30 billion for human rights-related initiatives and Rs6.17 billion for livestock and fisheries development.
Agriculture projects are expected to receive Rs4.97 billion, while Rs4.83 billion has been proposed for forest and wildlife programmes.
The higher education sector, including universities and examination boards, is likely to receive Rs4 billion, while Rs3.5 billion each has been proposed for college education and programmes for persons with disabilities.
According to the documents, the Culture and Archives Department may receive Rs2.77 billion, while youth-related programmes are proposed to receive Rs2.33 billion.
Technical education and vocational training projects are expected to receive Rs910 million.
Top Sindh development allocations
Largest proposed sector-wise allocations in Sindh ADP 2026-27
The proposed development programme also includes Rs1 billion for slum improvement projects and another Rs1 billion for monetary affairs-related initiatives.
Smaller allocations include Rs250 million for special measures in backward districts, Rs162 million for women development, Rs106.4 million for population welfare, Rs104 million for information-related projects and Rs110 million for the Sindh Assembly.
The Provincial Ombudsman's office is proposed to receive Rs370 million under the development programme.
According to the documents, allocations have also been proposed for Auqaf, Zakat and Ushr, the Board of Revenue, Excise and Taxation, Labour and Human Resources, Law and Prosecution, and the Governor's Secretariat.
The documents further indicate that no allocation has been proposed for investment-related projects, alternative energy projects under special measures, or new development initiatives.
The proposed allocations are subject to approval when the Sindh government formally presents the provincial budget and Annual Development Programme in the Sindh Assembly on Wednesday.
Reporter: Ashraf Khan