Sindh minimum wage raised 7.5% as cabinet approves wheat import

The Sindh cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, approved a series of important decisions aimed at improving food security, supporting workers, strengthening public services and promoting long-term economic growth across the province.

The meeting, held at the Chief Minister’s House, was attended by provincial ministers, advisers, senior government officials and the Chief Secretary. During the session, the cabinet reviewed several proposals covering agriculture, labour, healthcare, housing, education and governance before giving formal approval to multiple initiatives.

Sindh minimum wage increased by 7.5 percent

One of the most significant decisions was the approval of a 7.5 percent increase in the provincial minimum wage following recommendations from the Sindh Minimum Wages Board.

Under the revised rates, the monthly minimum wage for unskilled workers has increased from Rs40,000 to Rs43,000, effective from July 1, 2026. The revised wage structure also includes higher salaries for semi-skilled, skilled and highly skilled workers employed in notified industrial and commercial establishments across Sindh.

The provincial government said the increase is intended to provide better financial support to workers while helping them cope with rising living expenses. Officials believe the revised wages will benefit thousands of employees working in different sectors throughout the province.

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah directed all concerned departments to ensure the immediate implementation of the revised wage notification and monitor compliance by employers.

Cabinet approves wheat import to prevent shortage

The cabinet also approved the import of 500,000 metric tonnes of wheat through the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) to meet the province’s expected food requirements during the 2026–27 period.

Officials informed the cabinet that Sindh is likely to face a wheat shortage of nearly 1.69 million metric tonnes. According to estimates presented during the meeting, the province is expected to have total wheat availability of around 4.84 million metric tonnes, while annual consumption is projected to reach approximately 6.53 million metric tonnes.

The federal government will coordinate the wheat import process under a national framework to help ensure sufficient supplies remain available across the province.

The provincial government believes timely imports will help stabilize wheat availability and reduce the risk of supply shortages during the coming year.

Health, housing and employee relief measures approved

The cabinet also approved the budget of the People’s Community Health Services Company for the financial year 2026–27.

The approved package includes Rs200,000,000 as seed funding along with a government grant of Rs2,723,000,000 to strengthen healthcare services and improve medical facilities for the public.

Another important decision was the approval of a one-year extension for contractual employees working in the Education and Medical Departments of Town Municipal Corporation (TMC) Lyari.

The extension will remain effective from March 11, 2026, to March 10, 2027, covering 254 contractual employees. These include 176 employees from the Education Department and 78 from the Medical Department.

The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation originally appointed these workers during 2012–13 before being transferred to district and town administrations following local government reforms.

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Flood housing project and legal reforms move forward

The cabinet further approved the expansion of the Sindh People’s Housing for Flood Affectees (SPHF) programme to Gilgit-Baltistan.

Under the approved plan, 196 flood-damaged houses will be rebuilt at an estimated cost of Rs376,300,000, extending Sindh’s reconstruction model beyond the province.

In addition, the cabinet approved proposed amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, and the Sindh Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Act, 2025. These amendments will now be presented before the Provincial Assembly for further legislative consideration.

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said the cabinet’s decisions are designed to strengthen food security, improve governance, modernize public services and support sustainable economic development across Sindh.

He directed all government departments to implement the approved measures without unnecessary delays so that people can benefit from them as soon as possible.