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Business Recorder
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Sindh govt announces major relief for farmers hit by floods
KARACHI: Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon announced the major relief for farmers affected by floods, stating that the Sindh government has taken a big step in raising relief grants significantly for victims of the record 2022 flood catastrophe. The package includes compensation for shattered crops, provision of seed and monetary support for rehabilitation of hit lands. In a statement, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon said that the increase in relief funds for flood-affected farmers is part of the Sindh Flood Rehabilitation Program, which has already been recognized as the world's largest disaster housing initiative. He said that the Sindh cabinet has also approved the establishment of new industrial zones in Sukkur and Hyderabad, which will be developed under a public-private partnership. A total of 951 acres of land in Hyderabad will be transferred to the Sindh Economic Zones Management Company, paving the way for over 55,000 employment opportunities in the province and giving a new boost to the provincial economy. Sharjeel Memon also added that the Sindh cabinet has also approved an interest-free loan of Rs 10.56 billion for Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation, where a 36-kilometer pipeline would be laid from Damloti to DHA. The project will ease the acute shortage of water, as DHA needs 15 MGD of water daily but receives only 5 MGD. The project also includes the construction of a pumping station, filtration plant, and reservoir, with a completion target set for 11 months. He said that the cabinet has approved a memorandum of understanding with Sindh Bank to expedite the activation of the Benazir Hari Card. Through this card, farmers will receive subsidies on agricultural inputs, soft loans, and financial assistance for disaster preparedness. So far, over 237,000 farmers have been registered, and the verification of 88,871 applications has been completed. Sharjeel Inam Memon said that the Sindh government is taking practical steps for the welfare and development of the people, with the resolution of public issues and transparent governance among its top priorities. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
09-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Sindh endorses agriculture income tax rules
KARACHI: The Sindh Cabinet presided over by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah here Tuesday endorsed Sindh Agricultural Income Tax Rules, 2025. The endorsement of these rules would pave the way for introducing clear procedures for registration, e-filing, and record-keeping by agricultural income earners. Under the new rules agricultural owners must register them with the Sindh Revenue Board (SRB) using Form AIT-01. Moreover, tax returns (Form AIT-03) must be submitted with evidence of payment. Detailed records must be maintained in Urdu, Sindhi, or English. Losses in calamity-affected areas can be carried forward to subsequent years. However, a subcommittee comprising the ministers of agriculture, law, and works & services was formed to finalise the draft for enforcement, aiming to modernise compliance and boost provincial revenue. Moreover, in a move towards digital governance, the cabinet approved an amendment to the Sindh E-Stamp Rules, 2020, eliminating the requirement for physical e-stamp paper in areas with an operational e-registration system. The amendment enables digital verification of stamp duty payments and ensures integration between the e-stamping and e-registration systems. Already active in 51 sub-registrar offices, this paperless initiative will streamline property transactions and reduce processing times. However, the provincial cabinet also endorsed several other initiatives aimed at tackling Karachi's water crisis, strengthening agriculture sector, boosting industrial growth, and enhancing regional connectivity. It deliberated on 52 agenda items, endorsing most of them with strategic directives for immediate implementation. To address Karachi's worsening water shortages, particularly in DHA, the cabinet approved a Rs 10.56 billion interest-free loan for Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KW&SC). The project entails laying a 36-km dedicated pipeline from Dumlottee to DHA, along with the construction of a pumping station, forebay, and filtration plant. The CM directed to complete the project within 11 months. The cabinet increased the Flood Emergency Response Component (FERC) allocation from Rs 21.56 billion to Rs 27.67 billion, benefiting 151,147 verified farmers impacted by the 2022 floods. So far, three disbursement phases have been taken place, with Rs 6.1 billion now allocated for the remaining verified farmers. An additional Rs 2.37 billion in savings will be channelled through the Benazir Hari Card to further support the agriculture sector. However, the cabinet authorised the Agriculture Department to sign a MoU with Sindh Bank for launching the Benazir Hari Card. This targeted initiative will provide subsidies on agricultural inputs, soft agricultural loans, disaster-related cash support, priority access to solar tube-wells and crop insurance. Registration has begun, with 237,125 farmers already enrolled. Of these, 88,871 applications have been verified for onward processing and card issuance. To accelerate coal transport from Thar to the port, the cabinet approved Rs 45.02 billion for a railway project linking Islamkot (Thar Coalfield) to Chorr, as part of a joint venture with the federal government. The project includes a 105-km rail line, a 9-km dual track from Bin Qasim to Port Qasim, and a coal unloading terminal. The federal government has already allocated Rs 7 billion in PSDP 2025–26, which the CM approved for immediate release. This two-year project will strengthen Pakistan's energy infrastructure and stimulate industrial growth in the region. However, to generate employment and attract private investment, the cabinet approved the establishment of New Industrial Enclaves on 951 acres in District Hyderabad under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. Over 55,000 jobs (direct and indirect) are expected from this initiative. Advisory consultants have been hired for feasibility and transaction structuring. The cabinet directed the transfer of land to the Sindh Economic Zones Management Company (SEZMC), with the Finance Department to pay Rs 3.54 billion for the land. The cabinet approved the allocation of 248 acres for the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway (M-6), valued at Rs 667.23 million. Additional reservations were authorised across Jamshoro, Matiari, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sukkur, and Naushero Feroze, subject to departmental NOCs. The Chief Minister also authorised bridge financing if necessary to ensure the smooth implementation of this vital national connectivity project. On this occasion, the Chief Minister reaffirmed his government's dedication to inclusive and sustainable development, describing the approved initiatives as cornerstones of progress that address both immediate needs and long-term resilience. He instructed all departments to guarantee transparent execution, interdepartmental coordination, and the timely completion of approved projects. These sweeping decisions highlight the Sindh government's strategy to combine infrastructure development with social equity and economic opportunity. The meeting was attended by provincial ministers, advisors, special assistants, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, and senior officers from concerned departments. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
08-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Rs10bn for new water pipeline in DHA
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah chaired a high-level provincial cabinet meeting at the CM House on Monday, where a series of transformative development projects aimed at tackling Karachi's water crisis, strengthening the agriculture sector, promoting industrial growth, and enhancing regional connectivity were approved. The cabinet deliberated on a 52-point agenda and approved most items with implementation strategies. The meeting was attended by provincial ministers, advisors, special assistants, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, and senior officials from concerned departments. Rs10.56b interest-free loan for water supply to DHA To address the acute water shortage in Karachi-particularly in DHA, which currently receives only 4-5 MGD-the cabinet approved an interest-free loan of Rs10.56 billion for the Water and Sewerage Corporation. The scheme includes laying a 36km dedicated pipeline from Dumlottee to DHA, alongside construction of a pumping station, forebay, and filtration plant. Originally approved by the WSC board in February 2025, CM Murad directed its completion within 11 months to meet the growing city population's sustainable water needs. Major overhaul of agricultural income tax rules The cabinet approved the Sindh Agricultural Income Tax Rules 2025, introducing structured registration, e-filing, and record-keeping protocols. Landowners will be required to register with the Sindh Revenue Board via Form AIT-01 and file returns using AIT-03 along with payment proof. Records must be maintained in Urdu, Sindhi, or English. Provisions allow for carrying forward losses due to natural disasters. A sub-committee comprising ministers for agriculture, law, and works has been tasked with finalizing the draft. E-Stamp Rule Amendments In a step toward digital governance, the cabinet approved amendments to the Sindh E-Stamp Rules 2020, eliminating the need for physical stamp paper in areas with electronic registration systems. The digital system is already operational in 51 registrar offices, expediting property transactions through electronic stamp verification and integrated e-registration. Flood Relief Emergency flood aid allocation was raised from Rs21.56bn to Rs27.67bn, benefiting 151,147 verified farmers affected by the 2022 floods. While disbursements have been made in three phases, Rs6.1bn is earmarked for remaining cases. An additional Rs2.37bn in savings will be utilized under the Benazir Hari Card to support agriculture. Benazir Hari Card The cabinet allowed the Agriculture Department to sign an MoU with Sindh Bank for the rollout of the Benazir Hari Card, which offers farmers: subsidies on agricultural inputs (seeds, fertilizer, pesticides); soft-term agricultural loans; financial assistance in natural disasters; priority access to solar tube wells and crop insurance. As of now, 237,125 farmers have registered, with 88,871 verified and cleared for next steps. A Vision for Sustainable Progress Reaffirming his government's commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, CM Murad said the newly approved projects form the foundation for long-term socio-economic stability. He directed all departments to ensure transparency, inter-departmental coordination, and timely execution. "These wide-ranging decisions reflect the Sindh government's strategic approach of linking infrastructure development with social equity and economic opportunity," he said.
Business Recorder
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Sindh govt okays Rs10.56bn interest-free loan to provide water to DHA
The Sindh cabinet on Tuesday approved an interest-free loan of Rs10.56 billion for the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KW&SC) to implement a dedicated water supply project for the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) in Karachi. The decision was taken during a meeting of the provincial cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah at the CM House. According to officials, the project includes the construction of a 36-kilometre pipeline from Dumlottee to DHA, along with supporting infrastructure such as a pumping station, forebay, and filtration plant. The project was initially cleared by KW&SC's board in February 2025 and is expected to be completed within 11 months. DHA City Karachi signs MoU with NUTECH The cabinet also approved a range of other development and regulatory measures: Flood relief The cabinet increased the allocation for the Flood Emergency Response Component (FERC) from Rs21.56 billion to Rs27.67 billion. The revised funds will support 151,147 farmers affected by the 2022 floods. A sum of Rs6.1 billion has been earmarked for the remaining verified cases. An additional Rs2.37 billion in savings will be disbursed through the Benazir Hari Card. Benazir Hari Card implementation: Approval was given to the Agriculture Department to sign an MoU with Sindh Bank to operationalise the Benazir Hari Card, which aims to facilitate subsidies on agricultural inputs, soft loans, and disaster-related financial support. Over 237,000 farmers have registered; 88,871 applications have been verified for processing. DHA City Karachi breaks ground on new infrastructural development in Sector 3 Rail link for Thar Coal transport: The cabinet sanctioned Rs45.02 billion for a 105-km railway line connecting the Thar coalfield (Islamkot) to Chorr. The federal government has allocated Rs7 billion for the project in the PSDP 2025–26. The plan includes a 9-km dual track from Bin Qasim to Port Qasim and a coal unloading terminal. E-stamping reforms: An amendment to the Sindh E-Stamp Rules, 2020, was approved, removing the requirement for physical e-stamp paper in areas where e-registration is active. The integration of digital systems is intended to reduce delays in property transactions. Agricultural income tax rules: The cabinet endorsed the Sindh Agricultural Income Tax Rules, 2025. Key provisions include mandatory registration, e-filing of returns, and record maintenance in Urdu, Sindhi, or English. Losses due to natural disasters may be carried forward. Industrial enclave in Hyderabad: A decision was made to establish industrial enclaves on 951 acres in Hyderabad under a public-private partnership model. Land will be transferred to the Sindh Economic Zones Management Company (SEZMC), and the Finance Department will allocate Rs3.54 billion for this purpose. The project is projected to generate over 55,000 jobs. Land allotment for M-6 Motorway: The cabinet approved the transfer of 248 acres of land for the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway (M-6) project, valued at Rs667.23 million. Additional land allotments were authorised across several districts including Jamshoro and Sukkur. The cabinet meeting covered a total of 52 agenda items, most of which were approved with directives for prompt implementation. Senior provincial ministers, advisors, and officials including the Chief Secretary attended the session.
Express Tribune
01-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Next quarter to see massive projects: Sharjeel
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has announced that 4,400 teachers would be recruited, four new IBA community colleges would be set up, and the provision of financial autonomy to 34,000 schools would begin in the next quarter of the year. He also said that thousands of deserving students would receive scholarships through the Sindh Education Endowment Fund. He mentioned that funds are being released on a priority basis to allocate a substantial amount of Rs326.5 billion for the health sector. The expansion of SIUT, PPHI, NICVD, and Chandka Medical College Hospital, along with the upgrading of ambulance services, is the government's top priorities. He said that under the special development package allocated for Karachi, road, water, sewage, and mass transit projects will commence soon. Additionally, following the introduction of 50 electric buses, another 100 buses will be deployed on the roads by August. The process of providing subsidies to 200,000 farmers under the Benazir Hari Card is also being initiated in a phased manner.
