PSDP 2025-26 priorities reviewed in planning ministry meeting

April 04, 2025 (MLN): The third-quarter utilization, proposed projects, and future allocations for the PSDP 2025-26 were reviewed in a meeting on the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) 2024-25, chaired by the Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal.

He directed the Economic Section to evaluate fund utilization, provide an update on block allocations, and submit a status report on the fourth-quarter release.

Emphasizing the importance of productive investments, he stressed that development projects should create long-term economic benefits for local communities.

He directed the prioritization of national-level initiatives and strategic projects for the upcoming PSDP, with block budgets allocated for each province and federating unit.

Addressing energy challenges in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), the Minister highlighted its critical priority and directed that related projects be given due focus, as per the press release.

To ensure an efficient and well-coordinated development framework, he instructed the convening of meetings with all federal secretaries to align ministerial priorities for PSDP 2025-26.

He also emphasized strengthening the evaluation process in iPAS, ensuring that only PC-1s meeting the required criteria be included, and directed the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance transparency and efficiency.

In the education sector, he stressed the need to review stalled projects and initiatives aimed at out-of-school children, ensuring timely intervention.

He also reiterated the importance of merit-based selection for scholarship programs to ensure prudent and effective utilization of public funds.

To enhance project oversight, the Minister called for an audit of slow-moving projects and emphasized leveraging SUPARCO’s space technology to monitor on-ground project progress.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to utilizing modern technological solutions for transparent and results-driven development.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Planning, Mr. Awais Manzur Sumra, members of the Planning Commission, and senior officials from the Planning Ministry.

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