The Sindh Cabinet has authorized the introduction of a toll on the 135-kilometre Nawabshah-Ranipur Mehran Highway, focusing mainly on heavy and commercial vehicles. This initiative aims to secure dedicated funds for the ongoing maintenance and rehabilitation of the highway. The decision was finalized during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday.
Officials shared that the dualisation project of the Mehran Highway is currently in progress, with an estimated investment of Rs41 billion. The newly proposed toll system is projected to generate a gross annual revenue of approximately Rs2.14 billion, with net earnings expected to reach Rs1.48 billion after covering operational costs. These funds will be exclusively allocated for the highway’s operation, upkeep, and further enhancements.
The cabinet endorsed a class-based fixed toll rate structure alongside the implementation of a toll collection and revenue management framework to ensure efficient financial handling.
In a significant development, the cabinet also approved the import of 0.5 million metric tons (MMT) of wheat through the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) to address the province’s food security needs for the fiscal year 2026-27. Sindh is anticipated to face a wheat deficit of around 1.69 million metric tons, with total availability estimated at 4.84 million metric tons against an annual consumption demand of 6.53 million metric tons. The wheat import will be coordinated under the federal government’s framework.
Further, the cabinet sanctioned a 7.5% increase in minimum wages across Sindh, effective from July 1, 2026. This adjustment raises the minimum wage for unskilled workers from Rs40,000 to Rs43,000 per month, with proportional increments for semi-skilled, skilled, and highly skilled laborers. The wage revision applies to employees in registered industrial and commercial establishments throughout the province.
Additionally, the cabinet discussed the proposed Sindh Government Lands Management Bill, 2026, designed to replace the outdated Colonisation of Government Lands Act, 1912. This new legislation aims to establish a modern, transparent system for the management, allocation, and use of government lands across Sindh. It introduces market-based valuations, transparent auction processes, clear eligibility criteria, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and an effective grievance redressal system.
The bill will cover various land categories, including agricultural, industrial, residential, commercial, public-purpose, and amenity projects. Following the discussion, the Chief Minister directed the formation of a committee comprising the Minister for Law, Minister for Local Government, Advocate General Sindh, and other officials to review the draft legislation thoroughly and submit recommendations before its presentation to the Provincial Assembly.
This proposed legal framework is expected to enhance transparency, attract investment, improve land governance, and ensure the efficient use of state land for public benefit and economic progress.
