The Sindh government has increased the health budget by 8%, rising from Rs302 billion to Rs326 billion.
Separately, a salary increase ranging from 10 to 20 per cent for government employees is anticipated in the upcoming Sindh budget 2025–26.
Additionally, the announcement of new job opportunities in provincial departments is also expected.
It is pertinent to note that the Sindh cabinet, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, has approved a budget of Rs3.4 trillion for the next fiscal year.
– Corporate interests prioritised over public health in budget: Panah –
Earlier on Wednesday, Pakistan National Heart Association (Panah) Secretary General Sanaullah Ghumman criticised the federal budget, saying that corporate interests have been prioritised over public health.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Ghumman said: “Failure to tax unhealthy food products is both regrettable and reflects poor policymaking. While fuel has been taxed in the federal budget, there has been no increase in tax on junk food.”
“A minimum 20% Federal Excise Duty should be imposed on ultra-processed foods. Every minute, one Pakistani suffers a heart attack. Over 1,100 people die daily due to diabetes. Pakistan now ranks first globally in diabetes prevalence,” he said.
