Green channel initiative builds 800,000 homes

January 06, 2024 (MLN): The rehabilitation housing project for flood-affected areas, facilitated by the green channel endorsement, has resulted in the construction of over 800,000 houses, with 350,000 already completed.

The aforementioned information was highlighted by Minister Ahsan Iqbal during a meeting attended by Federal Minister for Planning, and Sindh’s Planning Minister, Nasir Shah, as a press release issued today.

The progress of Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) projects in Sindh was the focus of the meeting, where officials were urged to ensure the timely resolution of all ongoing initiatives.

He announced the federal government’s campaign to achieve zero hepatitis within three years and emphasized the urgent attention required for devolved subjects, including healthcare, education, and population control.

Sindh’s Planning Minister, Nasir Shah, thanked Prof. Ahsan Iqbal for his support, which resulted in the highest allocation of Rs81 billion for Sindh in the last decade.

Prof. Ahsan Iqbal reaffirmed the federal government's commitment to promoting prosperity and development in the province, in line with the Prime Minister's vision.

During the meeting, Minister Ahsan Iqbal directed officials to ensure the timely resolution of all PSDP projects under implementation in Sindh, including those related to education, water, housing, and infrastructure.

The Minister emphasized that the ownership of these houses has been ensured for women, reflecting the government’s commitment to gender equity.

Despite financial constraints, Minister Ahsan Iqbal noted the federal government’s efforts to sustain development initiatives.

He pointed out that the PSDP allocation was reduced from Rs1,000 billion in 2018 to Rs700 billion in 2022 due to economic challenges, with the country nearly defaulting internally by April 2022.

He commended the coalition government, led by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, for taking bold decisions to bring Pakistan back on track.

The Minister elaborated on the federal government’s ambitious Project URAAN, centered around the 5Es Framework, which he described as the cornerstone of Pakistan’s future development.

The framework focuses on Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment, Energy, Ethics, Equity, and Empowerment.

He stressed the importance of provincial export boards, digital advancement, climate resilience, clean energy transition, and the enhancement of human capital to transform Pakistan socioeconomically.

Minister Ahsan Iqbal underscored the critical need for improved healthcare and education, which are prerequisites for a productive workforce.

In conclusion, the Minister highlighted the importance of women’s participation in the workforce, emphasizing the need to increase their participation rate to over 50% to ensure Pakistan’s progress.

The federal government remains committed to fostering collaboration with provincial governments to achieve sustainable development and prosperity for all.

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