Islamabad, June 17, 2019 (PPI-OT): The Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Reform in its meeting on Monday reviewed in detail PSDP 2019-20. The Committee was informed that the total Federal Budget for development projects is a total of PKR 912 billion. The National Budget entails PKR 1863 billion. Last year total budget comprised PKR 675 billion out of which 95 percent was released. Priority sectors for this year include Water, Transport, Energy, Agriculture and Knowledge Economy.
The Committee was informed that development of Dams was the Government’s top priority as the priority of the nation depends on it. Knowledge Economy was another major sector that is being introduced to equip people with skills and training. PKR 30 billion have been allocated for new projects, which is the largest allocation for new projects, ever to be seen.
While deliberating over programs managed by the Finance Division the Committee recommended that a break-up of PKR 67 billion allocated for Relief and Rehabilitation of IDPs and Security be provided. It also demanded details of total PSDP releases in the current year.
While recommending the establishment of clinical laboratories in Kuchlak area of Balochistan, the Committee was informed that this came under the ambit of the provincial government. The Committee recommended that skills related training is the need of the day and such an institute must be established in Quetta.
Majority recommendations entailed the Communications Network in Pakistan. Chairman National Highway Authority, Mr. Jawad Rafique Malik informed the Committee that 40 percent of new schemes have been announced for Balochistan. The Committee stressed the need to maintain existing roads as well.
Chaired by Senator Agha Shahzaib Durrani, the meeting was attended by Senator Gianchand, Senator Engr. Rukhsana Zuberi, Senator Dr. Asad Ashraf, Senator Krishna Kumari, Senator Usman Khan Kakar, Senator Sardar Muhammad Shafiq Tareen, Senator Naseebullah Bazai and senior officers of the Ministry of Planning, Reform and Development, Ministry of Science and Technology, the Finance Division, the National Highway Authority along with all concerned.
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H.No.7, Cat-II, G-8/2,
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