The Sindh Cabinet has approved the introduction of a toll collection system on the 135-kilometre Nawabshah-Ranipur Mehran Highway, a move aimed at generating dedicated funds for the road’s maintenance, rehabilitation, and future development.
The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday. Alongside the toll proposal, the cabinet also approved an increase in the provincial minimum wage, authorised the import of wheat to strengthen food security, and reviewed a proposed new law on government land management.
Toll Approved for Mehran Highway
According to the provincial government, the toll will primarily apply to heavy and commercial vehicles using the Mehran Highway.
The cabinet was informed that the dualisation of the 135-kilometre highway is currently underway at an estimated cost of Rs41 billion.
Officials estimate that the toll collection system will generate approximately Rs2.14 billion in gross annual revenue, while net annual revenue is expected to reach around Rs1.48 billion after deducting operational expenses.
The government said the revenue generated will be used exclusively for:
- Highway operation and maintenance
- Road rehabilitation
- Infrastructure upgrades and improvements
- Future development of the highway network
The cabinet also approved a class-based fixed toll rate system along with the proposed mechanism for toll collection and revenue management.
Sindh Approves Wheat Imports
The cabinet also approved the import of 0.5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of wheat through the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) to help meet the province’s food requirements during the 2026–27 fiscal year.
Officials informed the meeting that Sindh is expected to face a wheat shortfall of approximately 1.69 million metric tonnes.
According to the briefing:
- Estimated wheat availability: 4.84 million metric tonnes
- Estimated annual consumption: 6.53 million metric tonnes
- Expected shortfall: 1.69 million metric tonnes
The wheat imports will be carried out under a framework coordinated by the federal government.
Sindh Government Restores Five-Day School Week, Saturday Declared Weekly Holiday Again
Minimum Wage Raised to Rs43,000
The Sindh Cabinet approved the recommendations of the Minimum Wages Board, increasing the provincial minimum wage by 7.5%, effective July 1, 2026.
Under the revised notification:
- Unskilled workers: Minimum monthly wage increased from Rs40,000 to Rs43,000
- Semi-skilled workers: Wage revised upward
- Skilled workers: Wage revised upward
- Highly skilled workers: Wage revised upward
The revised wage structure will apply to workers employed in notified industrial and commercial establishments throughout Sindh.
New Government Land Management Law Under Review
The cabinet also discussed the proposed Sindh Government Lands Management Bill, 2026, which seeks to replace the Colonisation of Government Lands Act, 1912 with a modern legal framework governing state-owned land.
According to the government, the proposed legislation aims to introduce:
- Transparent public auction procedures
- Market-based land valuation
- Clear eligibility criteria for land allotments
- Stronger enforcement provisions
- An effective grievance redressal mechanism
The proposed law would cover agricultural, residential, industrial, commercial, public-purpose, and amenity land across the province.
Following detailed discussions, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah constituted a committee comprising the Minister for Law, Minister for Local Government, the Advocate General Sindh, and other officials to further examine the draft legislation before it is presented to the provincial cabinet for final approval and subsequently introduced in the Sindh Assembly.
Focus on Infrastructure and Economic Reforms
The cabinet’s latest decisions reflect the Sindh government’s broader focus on strengthening infrastructure, improving food security, enhancing workers’ welfare, and modernising land governance.
Officials said the proposed reforms are intended to improve public services, encourage investment, promote transparent governance, and support long-term economic development across the province.
