Murad issues guidelines for preparation of next ADP

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has issued detailed guidelines for the preparation of the Annual Development Programme (ADP) for 2025-26 to ensure strategic planning.

Officials said the CM wants focus on post-flood rehabilitation, socio-economic uplift and alignment with the government’s broader development agenda in the next ADP with an emphasis on continuity in efforts to restore infrastructure and align uplift efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Following the directive from the CM, Planning and Development Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah prepared guidelines for the preparation of the next ADP. The CM emphasised the necessity of continuity in development efforts by building on the current ADP 2024-25 and addressing critical issues, such as restoring infrastructure damaged during the catastrophic floods of 2022.

He instructed the departments to prioritise high-impact projects that aligned with the SDGs and relevant sectoral priorities, including resilient infrastructure, improved healthcare and education, and climate-smart initiatives in agriculture and irrigation.

“Planning must reflect the current realities, particularly in dealing with post-disaster recovery and minimising the impact of inflation on vulnerable communities,” the CM said, encouraging all departments to integrate socio-economic objectives into their proposals.

According to the CM’s guidelines, the provincial departments are required to complete approval process for new projects by March 31, 2025, to ensure timely inclusion in the ADP. Murad has also placed emphasis on allocating at least 80 per cent of the development budget for ongoing schemes while maintaining financial discipline and avoiding cost escalations.

The guidelines advocate for innovation, urging departments to explore public-private partnerships (PPP) for new projects in order to alleviate financial constraints. “We must ensure sustainable and impactful development that benefits the people of Sindh, especially those affected by disasters,” the CM reiterated. This directive highlights the Sindh government’s commitment to targeted, inclusive and efficient development planning for the welfare of its citizens.