Sindh has completed nine months of the current financial year, but the province has spent only 35% of its development budget, raising questions over the pace of public-sector spending.
According to the available budget details, billions of rupees remain unspent with only three months left before the fiscal year ends.
Sindh allocated Rs520 billion for 3,642 development projects during the current financial year. However, after nine months, only 35% of the development budget has been spent.
The slow utilization means a large portion of the development funds remains pending at a time when the province is expected to accelerate work on public welfare and infrastructure schemes.
The province’s non-development budget was set at Rs2,211 billion for the current fiscal year. Out of this amount, only Rs1,238 billion was spent during the first nine months. This leaves Rs973 billion to be spent in the remaining three months of the fiscal year.
A major share of the spending went toward pensions. Out of Rs271 billion allocated under this head, Rs236 billion has already been spent.
The figure shows that pension payments remain one of the major recurring expenses in the provincial budget.
Roads, transport, buildings receive Rs263bn
During the nine-month period, Rs263 billion was spent on roads, transport and buildings. Separately, Rs5,711 billion was allocated for the repair of roads, transport infrastructure, buildings and canals, according to the report.
The figures indicate continued budgetary focus on infrastructure, although overall development spending remains low.
The report also showed spending on official and administrative expenses. A total of Rs242 billion was spent on ministers, officers, gas, electricity and daily expenses. Out of this, Rs27.19 billion has been spent so far, according to the available details.
For office supplies and new purchases, Rs40.52 billion was set aside. Of that amount, Rs11.57 billion has been spent on the purchase of office supplies.
