ISLAMABAD, Jun 11 (APP): Pursuing an approach of balanced development across the country, the Federal Government on Friday unveiled Rs 2.1 trillion Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the fiscal year 2020-21, with special focus on strengthening the health sector and generating business activities to combat widespread disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Out of the total PSDP outlay, an amount of Rs 900 billion was set aside for the federal PSDP and Rs 1.235 trillion for the provinces, according to the budgetary document.
The National Economic Council (NEC) approved the PSDP allocations on June 07, with foreign assistance of Rs100 billion.
As a result of efficient and well-coordinated management of the coronavirus pandemic, the economy showed signs of recovery, with growth rate stood at 3.94% during FY2020-21. As the government’s priority was to further spur economic activities in the upcoming fiscal year, therefore, the PSDP had been enhanced by 38% from Rs 650 billion (in FY2020-21) to Rs 900 billion, the document said.
Special development packages were included under the regional equalization programme for next fiscal year to ensure the development of deprived areas to bring them at par with other developed regions of the country. The programme included accelerated development plan for Southern Balochistan, Karachi Transformation Plan, Socio-economic Development of Gilgit Baltistan, Sindh Development Plan for over 14 districts and enhanced allocation for newly merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the document added.
The budgetary document said several projects were being launched under the Public Private Partnership arrangement, which included Sialkot-Kharian, Sukkur-Hyderabad, Kharian-Rawalpindi, Balkasar-Mianwali and Muzaffargarh-Mianwali roads, Quetta-Karachi-Chamman (N-25), Karachi Circular Railway and Karachi-Pipri Freight Corridor.
The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) continued to remain in focus as its projects had been fully funded, while special funds were kept for railways, water resource projects and housing sector in the PSDP.
Meanwhile, out of total Rs 900 billion federal PSDP, the government allocated Rs 628.224 billion for federal ministries, Rs 183.235 billion for corporations, including National Highway Authority (Rs 113.75 billion) and PEPCO (Rs 69.82 billion), Rs 70 billion for COVID-19 responsive and other natural calamities programme, and Rs 61 billion for VGF for Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects.
The government proposed an allocation of Rs 103.472 billion for Water Resource Division, Rs 3.55 billion for Aviation Division, Rs 80 million for Board of Investment, Rs 46.155 billion for Cabinet Division, Rs 14.32 billion for Climate Change Division, Rs1.613 billion for Commerce Division, Rs 451.32 million for Communication Division (other than NHA), Rs 1.977 billion for Defence Division while Rs1.745 billion was earmarked for Defence Production Division.
Likewise, Rs 800 million was allocated for Establishment Division, Rs 9.7 billion for Federal Education and Professional Training Division, Rs 123.13 billion for Finance Division, Rs 42.4 billion for Higher Education Commission, Rs 24.2 billion for Housing and Works Division, Rs 279 million for Human Rights Division, Rs 2.9 billion for Industries and Production Division, Rs 1.899 billion for Information and Broadcasting Division and Rs 9.36 billion for Information Technology and Telecom Division.
Similarly, an amount of Rs 3.73 billion was earmarked for Inter-provincial Coordination Division, Rs 21.05 billion for Interior Division, Rs 69.95 billion for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Division, Rs 6.02 billion for Law and Justice Division, Rs 4.46 billion for Maritime Affairs Division, Rs 489.4 million for Narcotics Control Division, Rs12.017 billion for National Food Security and Research Division, Rs 21.722 billion for National Health Services Regulations and Coordination Division, Rs 125.9 million for National Culture and Literary Heritage Division, and Rs 27 billion for Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission.
The government also allocated Rs 200 million for Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Rs 2.35 billion for Petroleum Division, Rs 19.245 billion for Planning, Development and Reform Division, Rs 590 million for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division, Rs 30.025 billion for Railways Division, Rs 493 million for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Division, Rs 4.025 billion for Revenue Division, Rs 8.3 billion for Science and Technological Research Division, and Rs 7.36 billion for SUPPARCO.
The document revealed that to augment PSDP, resources of the private sector would be leveraged with the help of Public Private Partnership Authority (PPA), attracting domestic and foreign direct investment in commercially viable projects.
a poet, philosopher, and politician but also a visionary who planted the seeds of unity, self-respect, and resilience in the hearts of Muslims in the Indian subcontinent. Iqbal’s words were the catalysts that motivated people to recognize their potential, unite under a shared purpose, and ultimately pave the way for an independent Pakistan. His poetry and philosophy still resonate, reminding us of the values we hold dear and the power of unity, faith, and discipline in overcoming challenges.
Iqbal’s Philosophy: A Call to Selfhood and Unity
Iqbal was deeply influenced by the concept of “Khudi,” or selfhood, which he introduced as an idea of recognizing and cultivating the inner strength within each individual. He encouraged Muslims to develop their personal and spiritual strength, advocating for a life driven by purpose and unwavering resolve. For Iqbal, the idea of “Khudi” was not merely about individual development but about understanding that one’s personal strength contributes to the strength of the entire nation.
He also emphasized unity, which he saw as an essential component for the progress and survival of any community. Iqbal believed that unity was the bedrock upon which a nation could stand strong, and he used his poetry to inspire a collective identity that transcended individual differences. His call to unity was not just for the Muslims of India but for all who valued justice, peace, and a meaningful life.
The Message of Faith and Discipline
Iqbal’s poetry speaks powerfully about faith—faith in God, in oneself, and in the potential of a unified community. His famous verse, Sitaron se aage jahan aur bhi hain, abhi ishq ke imtihan aur bhi hain (There are worlds beyond the stars, and many more tests of love to come), exemplifies his belief that faith could elevate one’s spirit to new heights. Iqbal saw faith as an energizing force that could help people transcend their limitations, reach their aspirations, and maintain hope in the face of adversity.
For Iqbal, discipline was the natural partner of faith. He believed that true faith must be complemented by discipline to channel energy into productive efforts. In his view, a disciplined nation, united in its principles, would have the resilience to face any challenge, no matter how overwhelming.
Iqbal’s influence extends beyond his lifetime, continuing to inspire generations. His poetry and philosophy encourage today’s youth to take pride in their heritage, recognize their potential, and work for a prosperous future. Pakistan’s youth, often regarded as the nation’s greatest asset, can find guidance in Iqbal’s call for unity, faith, and discipline. In a world filled with distractions, his message remains clear: true progress lies in developing oneself and working together for the greater good.
Unity in Diversity: Building a Nation
Iqbal’s vision of Pakistan was one where people, regardless of ethnic or linguistic background, would come together as one. His poetry remains a symbol of this unity, speaking of brotherhood and harmony. He knew that for Pakistan to succeed, its people would have to put aside their differences and focus on a shared goal. This vision is especially relevant today, as a diverse Pakistan works toward the common ideals that Iqbal cherished.
Conclusion: Soaring Together as One Nation
Allama Iqbal’s philosophy of selfhood, unity, faith, and discipline is a timeless message. His words urge us to become better versions of ourselves and to use our strengths to build a stronger, more united Pakistan. By embracing his teachings, we can truly embody the spirit that drives a nation forward. As Pakistan continues to face challenges, Iqbal’s words serve as a reminder that by standing together with a shared vision, Pakistan can not only overcome any adversity but also soar to greater heights.
