Badin (Correspondent): The Municipal Committee Badin, under the chairmanship of Chairman Pir Muhammad Saleh Qureshi, approved its annual budget for the fiscal year 2026–27, totaling Rs. 509,885,824, with a projected surplus of Rs. 1,070,416.

According to the budget, the committee’s total expenditures have been estimated at Rs. 508,815,408. During the budget session, several important resolutions concerning law and order, development projects, water supply, sewerage, drainage, and civic facilities were also unanimously approved.

Addressing the meeting, Chairman Pir Muhammad Saleh Qureshi stated that the Government of Sindh provides the Municipal Committee with Rs. 55,488,720 annually under the Octroi and Zila Tax (OZT) grant. In addition, Rs. 33,029,000 is released every month for development works and employees’ salaries, amounting to approximately Rs. 396,348,000 annually.

He further informed the participants that Rs. 297,135,408 has been allocated for employees’ salaries and pensions during the fiscal year, while Rs. 60 million has been earmarked as development funds for councillors representing the committee’s 14 wards. Additional allocations have also been made for various public welfare and civic improvement projects.

During the session, Vice Chairman Akbar Memon expressed concern over the rising law and order situation and increasing crime in Badin. He presented a resolution condemning the performance of Badin Police, which was unanimously adopted by the house.

Chairman Pir Muhammad Saleh Qureshi also introduced another key resolution, pointing out that the Municipal Committee Badin has not received any special development package for the past three years, despite the approval of a Rs. 1.98 billion special development fund by the Chief Minister of Sindh in August 2023. The resolution demanded the immediate release of the approved funds to complete pending water supply, sewerage, and drainage projects and ensure the provision of essential civic services to residents.

The meeting also approved measures aimed at improving the city’s security. On the proposal of Vice Chairman Akbar Memon, it was announced that CCTV cameras would be installed at key locations across Badin with the cooperation of the local business community. Under the plan, the Municipal Committee will contribute Rs. 1 million, while the traders’ community will provide an additional Rs. 1 million. A proposal was also put forward to seek separate funding from the police department for the project.

Councillors including Raees Ashiq Gopang, Noor Muhammad Mallah, Yaqoob Soomro, Suleman Soomro, Jeot Ram, Mudassar Khaskheli, and Tariq Mallah Hashmani, along with other members, also addressed the budget session. The speakers proposed long-term solutions to the city’s water shortage, modernization of the drainage system, improved sanitation, road infrastructure, and other key civic issues. They reaffirmed their commitment to utilizing all available resources to provide better municipal services to the people.

Photo Caption:
Badin: Chairman of the Municipal Committee Badin, Pir Muhammad Saleh Qureshi, presiding over the budget meeting.