Ahmed Khan Malik

The Sindh government has started incorporating the proposals and demands of the provincial departments as it has begun preparations for the next budget.

The fiscal year 2025-26 budget is expected to be presented in the provincial assembly in the first or second week of June 2025, as per the budget calendar released by the government.

“The comprehensive budget calendar outlines several key milestones for the preparation of the budget. By February 10, 2025, the Sindh government will issue a draft budget strategy paper and establish indicative budget ceilings for both recurrent and development expenditures,” a senior official of the Finance Department said. 

Naveed Siddiqui, Director of Finance Department, said the submission of regular receipts estimates for 2025-26 and the medium-term budgetary framework (MTBF) receipts forecast from 2025-26 to 2027-28 would be done by February 10. 

“Additionally, the same date (Feb 10) has been designated for identifying potential sectors for taxation, reviewing existing taxes and fees, and submitting regular expenditure estimates for the upcoming fiscal year,” he said.

“By March 4, the first edition of the Annual Development Plan (ADP) for 2025-26, including printed and soft copies, will be submitted. The Sindh government plans to review collection, receipts and recoveries by March 31, while finalising the MTBF from 2025-26 to 2027-28 during the same period,” Siddiqui said.

“To ensure efficient revenue generation, relevant departments have been tasked with finalising new taxation proposals and reviewing existing tax structures and fees by April 29, 2025. This step aims to identify opportunities for expanding the provincial tax base and optimising revenue streams,” he said.

He said the Annual Development Plan for 2025-26 will be presented to the provincial cabinet in the third or fourth week of May. “By May 29, all budget documents and summaries are expected to be finalised and prepared for submission to the cabinet.”

“This strategic timeline reflects the Sindh government’s commitment to ensuring a transparent, efficient and well-planned budget process,” Siddiqui said.

He added that by adhering to the outlined schedule, the government aims to address the province’s developmental priorities, strengthen fiscal discipline and enhance public service delivery for the upcoming fiscal year.  

The finance department’s director said that budget contains development priorities and spending plans of the government. “The fiscal revenue side is reflected through taxation measures and incentives offered to different economic sectors and segments of the society,” he said.

“Similarly, the budget on the expenditure side determines the quality of present service delivery standards through current expenditure as well as future investment in the shape of development funds,” Siddiqui said.

Credit: INP-WealthPk