Karachi, June 23, 2026 — A heated exchange erupted in the Sindh Assembly during the ongoing debate on the provincial budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 after controversial remarks by a lawmaker from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) regarding the Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project sparked strong protests from treasury members.
The tense session, chaired by Speaker Syed Awais Qadir Shah, witnessed loud arguments, slogan chanting, and a brief walkout by MQM-P legislators after the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) demanded that the remarks be removed from the official record. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar requested the chair to expunge the comments, which were declared non-parliamentary and subsequently deleted from the assembly proceedings.
The controversy began when MQM-P legislator Farhan Ansari criticized the Red Line BRT project, alleging large-scale corruption and claiming that the project’s estimated cost had increased to around Rs80 billion. His comments immediately prompted strong objections from PPP lawmakers, who accused him of making baseless allegations during the budget debate.
As treasury members protested, the atmosphere inside the assembly became increasingly tense. Members from both sides exchanged sharp remarks before the Speaker intervened to restore order. Following the removal of the disputed statements from the record, MQM-P lawmakers staged a brief walkout in protest before later returning to the House.
Despite the disruption, the budget debate continued with ministers defending the provincial government’s financial plan. Sindh Industries and Commerce Minister Jam Ikramullah Dharejo described the 2026-27 budget as balanced and people-friendly despite economic challenges. He said Sindh had made significant contributions through the National Finance Commission (NFC) while continuing to invest in development projects and public welfare initiatives.
Dharejo also criticized the federal government over issues including gas load-shedding, delays in constructing the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway, and the province’s ongoing water shortage. He urged greater investment in Sindh’s infrastructure and opposed proposals seeking greater federal control over Karachi.
During the session, Social Welfare Minister Mir Tariq Talpur highlighted several welfare initiatives, including senior citizen support programs, child protection services operating across all districts, and rehabilitation projects for drug addicts. Universities and Boards Minister Muhammad Ismail Rahoo also outlined the government’s investments in higher education, stating that funding had been allocated to expand universities and improve educational facilities throughout the province.
Opposition lawmakers, however, continued criticizing the provincial government, arguing that Karachi remained neglected despite contributing a significant share of Sindh’s revenue. MQM-P members pointed to deteriorating roads, overflowing sewerage systems, land encroachments, and inadequate civic services, claiming the budget failed to address the city’s most pressing concerns.
Several opposition legislators also questioned the allocation of development funds, arguing that constituencies represented by opposition parties had been overlooked. They called for greater transparency in public spending and demanded investigations into major infrastructure projects, including the Red Line BRT scheme.
The Red Line BRT project has remained one of Karachi’s largest transport initiatives, aimed at improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion. However, delays, rising costs, and repeated criticism from opposition parties have made it a recurring subject of political debate in the Sindh Assembly.
Although the confrontation briefly disrupted proceedings, the House resumed discussion on the provincial budget after order was restored. The budget debate is expected to continue over the coming days as both treasury and opposition lawmakers present their views on the government’s financial priorities and development agenda.
