Ahmed Khan Malik

The Sindh government has announced various initiatives in the FY26 budget, placing a strong emphasis on digital transformation across key sectors including governance, education, health, and public safety, reports WealthPK.

The budget has mentioned a series of digital initiatives to modernize public service delivery and enhance transparency. “The government has committed to integrating technology at the administrative and grassroots levels to improve governance and efficiency,” Sajid Boghio, Director of the Sindh IT Department, told WealthPK.

He said one of the key announcements includes the digitization of land records using blockchain technology, starting with pilot projects in Matli and Sukkur. This move aims to eliminate land-related fraud and streamline property transactions by creating a tamper-proof digital system.

“In a parallel effort to improve civil registration, the government will roll out a digital birth registration system, which will eventually be linked to the health and education databases. The system is expected to reach universal coverage by 2028,” said Sajid. To coordinate these reforms, the government is establishing a Central Digital Governance Authority (CDGA).

The authority will oversee digital initiatives across departments, monitor project progress via a real-time key performance indicator (KPI) dashboard, and ensure transparency and accountability in public services. In a move to promote innovation and investment, a Special Technology Zone is being developed at the Karachi Education City. “The zone, covering over 500 acres, will focus on emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, blockchain, and clean energy.

It will offer a collaborative platform for the academia, industry, and start-ups,” he said. The budget also includes a focus on youth skill development, with plans to provide IT-based training to at least 35,000 students over the next year. The government said this initiative aims to equip young people with employment-ready skills aligned with the demands of the global digital economy.

The Karachi Safe City Project is set to expand, with AI-powered CCTV cameras to be installed along highways and urban roads to enhance public safety and traffic management. In addition to the digital push, the budget allocates Rs613.36 billion to education and Rs326.5 billion to health. Significant increases were made to digital learning programs and health infrastructure development, especially in underserved rural areas.

Sajid said that successful implementation will be achieved through sustained political will, effective interdepartmental coordination, and consistent funding. He said Sindh’s budget for FY2025–26 reflects a decisive pivot towards technology-led development. If executed effectively, the announced initiatives could mark a transformative shift in the province’s governance and economic landscape, he added.

Credit: INP-WealthPk