The Sindh government presented a Rs3.056 trillion budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, featuring a significant increase in the police budget.
Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, unveiled the budget in the provincial assembly. He announced that the police budget has been proposed at Rs163.9 billion, a 30.2% increase compared to the previous fiscal year.
CM Murad Ali Shah highlighted that Rs3,744.920 million has been allocated to strengthen 485 police stations across the province. Additionally, Rs1,800 million has been set aside for the purchase of arms and ammunition, and Rs200 million for anti-riot equipment.
The chief minister also mentioned the allocation of Rs4,962 million for health insurance coverage for the police force, aiming to motivate the field personnel for effective duty performance. The budget includes funding for DNA testing facilities at the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) and Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences (LUMHS), Jamshoro.
Furthermore, the Sindh government announced a “Shuhada Package” for the families of martyred police officers. CM Murad Ali Shah stated that 2,481 police personnel have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, with 36 officers embracing martyrdom in 2023 alone. The package includes Rs10 million compensation for families of cops martyred in bomb blasts, encounters, target killings, and terrorist activities. Compensation is also provided for families of officers who died in road accidents while on duty.