United opposition rejects Sindh budget, calls it anti-people and vows strong protest

Karachi (Staff Reporter) — All opposition parties represented in the Sindh Assembly have jointly rejected Karachi (Staff Reporter)

Karachi (Staff Reporter) — All opposition parties represented in the Sindh Assembly have jointly rejected Karachi (Staff Reporter) — All opposition parties represented in the Sindh Assembly have jointly rejected new fiscal year, describing it as a misleading document based on “wordplay” rather than practical solutions and labeling it an anti-people budget. The opposition announced that it would stage protests during the budget debate and raise public concerns at every available forum.

The announcement was made during a joint press conference held at the Sindh Assembly’s media corner on Wednesday after opposition lawmakers boycotted the budget session. The press conference was addressed by Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Sindh Assembly, Ali Khurshidi, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Parliamentary Leader Shabbir Qureshi, and Jamaat-e-Islami Parliamentary Leader Muhammad Farooq.

Speaking on behalf of the united opposition, Ali Khurshidi strongly criticized the Sindh government’s budgetary policies and accused the provincial administration of adopting an authoritarian approach. He stated that the budget failed to address the genuine needs and concerns of the people, particularly those living in urban areas of Sindh.

Khurshidi argued that the budget did not adequately represent urban Sindh and alleged that it had been prepared and presented by a specific group without taking broader public interests into account. According to him, the government had once again ignored the demands and priorities of large sections of the province’s population.

“We have completely rejected this budget,” Khurshidi declared. “It does not provide relief to ordinary citizens, nor does it offer realistic solutions to the economic and social challenges faced by the people of Sindh.”

He further criticized the government’s handling of the budget process, claiming that mandatory pre-budget consultations had not been conducted in accordance with established parliamentary rules and procedures. According to the opposition, the absence of a proper pre-budget session deprived elected representatives and stakeholders of an opportunity to provide input before the budget was finalized.

The opposition leaders emphasized that the budget lacked meaningful measures to address pressing public issues, including inflation, unemployment, deteriorating infrastructure, shortages in public services, and other challenges affecting citizens across the province. They argued that the government’s financial plan failed to deliver tangible benefits and instead relied on rhetoric rather than substantive reforms.

Shabbir Qureshi and Muhammad Farooq echoed these concerns, stating that the united opposition would continue to highlight the shortcomings of the budget both inside and outside the assembly. They pledged to represent the concerns of the public and hold the government accountable for its policies.

The opposition parties also announced plans to stage coordinated protests during the upcoming budget debate in the Sindh Assembly. They said their protest campaign would remain peaceful but firm, aiming to draw attention to what they described as the government’s failure to address the needs of the people.

Concluding the press conference, opposition leaders reaffirmed their commitment to raising public issues at every parliamentary and political forum available. They maintained that the budget did not reflect the aspirations of the people of Sindh and vowed to continue their struggle for greater transparency, accountability, and public welfare in provincial governance.