In the recently unveiled Sindh provincial budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced a significant relief for government employees and pensioners in the form of salary and pension increases. The budget, which marks Sindh’s 10th consecutive financial plan under the current leadership, emphasizes financial relief for public servants amid rising inflation and economic challenges.
Salary Increases for Government Employees
A central feature of the budget is the salary increase for government employees across all grades. CM Sindh Murad Ali Shah approved a 12% basic salary increase for employees from BPS-1 to BPS-16, and a 10% salary increase for employees in BPS-17 to BPS-22.
This announcement is part of an ad hoc relief allowance, which is meant to counteract the impact of inflation on the monthly earnings of public sector workers. The increase will be implemented starting July 1, 2025, and applies to all provincial departments, including education, health, and civil administration.
This step mirrors similar salary adjustments by the federal government and is a strategic move to retain and motivate public employees during a time of economic strain. With a 12.4% rise in running expenses in the provincial budget, the allocation for employee salaries takes a significant share, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving the financial well-being of its workforce.
Basic Salary Structure in Sindh (Post-Increase)
While exact figures depend on years of service and specific grade, the new adjustment means that, for example:
- An entry-level employee in BPS-1, previously earning a basic salary of around Rs. 20,000 per month, will now receive approximately Rs. 22,400 post the 12% increase.
- A BPS-16 officer, whose salary was around Rs. 60,000, will now get close to Rs. 67,200 per month.
- For BPS-17 officers and above, the 10% increase translates similarly. A BPS-17 officer earning Rs. 82,000 will now receive around Rs. 90,000.
This revision benefits a large segment of Sindh’s public workforce, especially those in junior and mid-level positions, which form the backbone of government services.
Pension Increase for Retired Employees
The Sindh government has approved an 8% increase in pensions for retired government employees in addition to salary hikes. This decision is seen as a timely relief for pensioners grappling with increased living costs, especially in the wake of rising utility bills, medical expenses, and food prices.
The increase in pensions for retired employees is expected to alleviate financial strain on thousands of former civil servants who rely solely on fixed monthly pensions. The increment will also apply from the start of the fiscal year 2025-26.
Impact on Education Sector Employees
The education sector, which has seen a substantial 12.4% increase in overall budget allocation, will also benefit directly from the salary revisions. This includes teachers, administrative staff, and headmasters working in government-run schools and colleges across Sindh.
A government teacher in BPS-14, for instance, who earns an average monthly salary of around Rs. 48,000, will now receive Rs. 53,760. Those in senior teaching roles (BPS-17 to BPS-20) will also see noticeable improvements in their monthly earnings.
Furthermore, with the government planning to recruit 4,400 new teachers and staff, the revised pay structure makes teaching positions more attractive and competitive.
Why These Increases Matter
The salary and pension adjustments come amid inflationary pressures, with the cost of living rising across Pakistan. The Sindh government has acknowledged these challenges and responded by prioritizing relief for those who serve in public roles.
This move not only boosts the morale of serving employees but also ensures retired officials are not left behind in the economic transition. In a broader sense, these financial decisions indicate the government’s efforts to create a more inclusive and responsive governance model that values its workforce.
Conclusion
The Sindh Budget 2025-26 has offered much-needed financial relief to public sector employees and pensioners through a 12% salary hike for junior staff, a 10% raise for senior staff, and an 8% pension increase. These changes aim to support thousands of families across the province, stabilizing livelihoods and reaffirming the government’s role as a responsible employer.
As economic uncertainty continues to challenge citizens, Sindh’s focus on protecting the incomes of its employees is a welcome and strategic policy step toward sustaining public service quality and employee satisfaction in the long term.