KARACHI: The Sindh cabinet on Tuesday approved a major tax cut for bike taxi riders in a bid to support low-income earners and reduce the financial strain on one of the most vulnerable working groups.
The decision was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah at the CM House. Along with this, projects and initiatives worth over Rs30 billion covering development, welfare and reforms were also cleared, according to an official statement.
Discussions during the meeting covered key areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, governance reforms and public relief measures across the province.
Tax relief for motorcycle ride services
To safeguard riders’ income and discourage ride cancellations, the cabinet reduced Sindh Sales Tax on motorcycle passenger services. The tax on net fares earned by riders using platforms like Bykea has been brought down from 5 percent to 2 percent. Officials said this step will have an estimated financial impact of around Rs120 million each year.
SEPRA appointment
The cabinet also approved the appointment of Faisal Malik as Member Finance and Policy in the Sindh Electric Power Regulatory Authority, helping make the body fully functional.
To improve governance in higher education, the cabinet revised the criteria for appointing vice chancellors. The upper age limit has been increased from 62 to 65 years, while required experience has been raised from 15 to 20 years. Candidates must also have at least 10 publications recognised by the Higher Education Commission.
New recruitment rules for education boards
Draft Recruitment Rules and Service Regulations 2026 were approved for all seven Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education in Sindh. Senior posts such as chairman, secretary, controller of examinations and audit officer will now be filled through a proper search and selection process. For the chairman position, candidates must be between 40 and 55 years old, hold a first-division master’s degree and have 15 years of senior management experience. Officials said this move will improve transparency and bring hiring under clear government oversight.
Human rights and health steps
The cabinet also approved the Sindh Protection of Human Rights Amendment Bill 2026 and sent it to the provincial assembly. The changes add “Business and Human Rights” to the legal framework in line with UN principles and extend the tenure of the chairperson and members from four to five years. Former judges of superior courts will also be eligible to serve as chairperson.
In addition, approval was granted to establish the Benazir Institute of Urology and Transplant under a new law to expand specialised transplant services in the province.