Ijaz Kakakhel Islamabad
The federal government on Friday allocated Rs800 billion for Federal Public Sector Development Program for the year 2022-23.
Despite of financial constraints, the government has decided to continue development of the economy and continuation of developmental projects across the country. It has been centered on improvement in sectors such as water resources, transport and communication, energy, higher education, health, science and technology, and balanced regional development.
The emphasis of the PSDP is also on revival of China Pakistan Economic Cooridor and related projects for inter-provincial and regional connectivity with equal importance to Special Economic Zones to promote trade, industrialization and create job opportunities.
The major thrust in Information and Communication Technology sector including establishment and operations of Special Technology Zones.
Under the PSDP, the government has allocated 44.179 billion rupees including foreign aid of 1.3 billion rupees to the Higher Education Commission for implementation of 151 development projects.
The allocation indicates an increase of one hundred percent over the last year. An allocation of over 197 billion rupees has been made for 117 power related projects.
These include hydro power generation projects such as Diamer-Bhasha, Mohmand, Nai Gaj and fifth extension of Tarbela. Initiatives like developing water storages, automatic telemetry system, rainwater harvesting, decreasing water losses, ground water regulation and management would be undertaken in consultation with the stakeholders.