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.
The nation celebrates Pakistan Day on Sunday with a renewed pledge to transform the country into a true Islamic and welfare state in line with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
The day is observed to commemorate the historic Lahore Resolution passed on 23rd March in 1940, under which Muslims of the Sub-continent set the agenda of a separate homeland for themselves.
The day dawned with thirty-one-gun salute in the federal capital and twenty-one-gun salute in provincial capitals.
Special prayers were offered in mosques after Fajr prayers for progress and prosperity of the country.
The special feature of the day will be Pakistan Day Military Parade in Islamabad on a limited scale at Aiwan-e-Sadr due to the month of Ramadan.
President Asif Ali Zardari will be the chief guest on the occasion.
Contingents from all the three armed forces will actively participate in the Parade.
Fighter jets from Pakistan Air Force will conduct a flypast.
Radio Pakistan and PTV are broadcasting special programmes to highlight the significance of the day and pay tribute to the leaders and workers of Pakistan Movement.
Pakistan Day, observed annually on March 23rd, holds a place of immense significance in the history of Pakistan. It marks the passing of the Lahore Resolution in 1940, which laid the foundation for the creation of an independent state for Muslims of the Indian subcontinent. This historic day serves as a reminder of the heroic struggle, sacrifices, and unwavering resolve of the Muslims who aspired for a separate homeland where they could live with dignity and practice their religion freely.
The Lahore Resolution: A Milestone in the Freedom Struggle
The All India Muslim League, under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, convened its annual session in Lahore from March 22 to 24, 1940. On March 23rd, the historic resolution was passed at Minto Park (now known as Iqbal Park), demanding separate states for Muslims in the northwestern and eastern regions of India. This resolution, often referred to as the “Pakistan Resolution,” became the cornerstone of the Pakistan Movement and galvanized Muslims into an organized struggle for their rights.
The Heroic Struggle and Sacrifices of the Muslims
The road to independence was not an easy one. The Muslims of the subcontinent faced tremendous challenges, including political opposition, social hardships, and economic constraints. The demand for a separate homeland was met with strong resistance from both the British colonial rulers and the Indian National Congress. However, the unwavering commitment of Muslim leaders and activists fueled the movement with newfound energy and resilience.
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, through his unmatched leadership and unwavering determination, guided the Muslims towards their goal. He emphasized the importance of unity, faith, and discipline, inspiring millions to rally behind the cause. Countless individuals sacrificed their lives, endured imprisonment, and faced brutal oppression, all for the dream of an independent Pakistan.
The Creation of Pakistan: A Dream Realized
The struggle for independence culminated in the emergence of Pakistan on August 14, 1947. The dream envisioned in the Lahore Resolution turned into a reality, marking the beginning of a new era for the Muslims of the subcontinent. The creation of Pakistan was not just the establishment of a new country; it was the fulfillment of a long-cherished aspiration for freedom, identity, and sovereignty.
Pakistan Day: A Tribute to the Nation’s Heroes
March 23rd is celebrated with great enthusiasm across Pakistan. The day begins with special prayers for the prosperity and security of the country, followed by military parades, flag-hoisting ceremonies, and cultural events. The highlight of the day is the grand parade in Islamabad, where the armed forces display their prowess, and national leaders pay tribute to the sacrifices of the past.
Pakistan Day serves as a moment of reflection and gratitude. It reminds the nation of the core principles that led to the creation of Pakistan—unity, faith, and discipline. It is also a call to action for the younger generation to uphold the values of hard work, patriotism, and national integrity to ensure a prosperous future for the country.
Pakistan Day is more than just a historical milestone; it is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Muslims of the subcontinent. It is a day to honor the sacrifices of the past and reaffirm the commitment to building a strong and progressive Pakistan. As the nation moves forward, it must continue to uphold the principles of justice, equality, and unity that were at the heart of the Pakistan Movement.
May Pakistan continue to shine as a beacon of hope, strength, and prosperity for generations to come. Pakistan Zindabad!
