Planning and Development
During the four years, national development expenditure has been
₨ 2.2
trillion, including Rs 1 trillion by the Federal Government. The Government
increased the size of development expenditure from Rs 416 billion in 2008-09 to
Rs 730 billion during the current fiscal year. This shows an average annual
increase of 20% during this period. Emphasis was on energy and infrastructure.
However, even after devolution of social sector ministries to provinces, the
Federal Government committed to bear Rs 100 billion up to the current NFC period
for Health vertical programes and Population Welfare Programes.
The Government initiated important mega projects in energy and infrastructure
which would provide the economy a base for sustainable economic growth in
future.
The priority in PSDP is to complete the projects nearing completion so that the
people may get benefit. Some of the initiatives include: Neelum-Jhelum
Hydropower Project, Diamer-Bhasha Dam, Tarbela 4th Extension Project;
Chashma Nuclear Power Projects 3 and 4, Lyari Expressway, Mekran Coastal Road,
M4 Motorway from Faisalabad to Khanewal, KKH Skardu Road and Realignment of KKH
Road due to Attabad Lake.
Mega projects completed during the period include Chashma Nuclear Power Project
2, Mangla Raising Project, Mirani Dam Project, Islamabad Peshawar Motorway and
Islamabad Muzaffarabad Expressway.
Recognizing the energy problem in the country, the Government has introduced far
reaching reforms. Board of Directors of all nine DISCOs have been reconstituted
with Professional Management and GENCO Holding Company has been created to solve
the circular debt issue. Efforts are under way to reduce default in private
sector and adoption of conservation measures would save upto 1000 MW of
electricity. By these measures burden on household consumers will be reduced.
The Strategy emphasizes need to reduce economic distortions; improve functioning
of domestic markets; create space in cities through proper zoning; energizing
youth; engaging communities; inducing investment in human and social capital;
and enhancing connectivity and interactivity.
|