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Federal Govt unveils Rs 2.1 trillion development budget

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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.

Pakistan

Pakistan Successfully Launches PRSE-EO2 Satellite into Space

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Pakistan has achieved another proud milestone in its space journey with the successful launch of the PRSE-EO2 satellite into orbit. This achievement reflects Pakistan’s growing strength in science, technology, and national capability, proving that the country is steadily advancing in modern space development.

The PRSE-EO2 satellite is designed to support Pakistan in multiple critical areas, including earth observation, mapping, environmental monitoring, and national development planning. With this satellite in space, Pakistan will be able to improve its ability to collect accurate data for agriculture, water management, urban planning, disaster monitoring, and climate-related challenges.

This success is a strong reminder that space technology is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity for nations that want to grow in the modern world. Satellites play an important role in helping countries manage their resources, respond to natural disasters, and strengthen national security through better monitoring and planning.

The successful launch of PRSE-EO2 also sends a positive message to Pakistan’s youth. It shows that Pakistan has the talent and potential to compete in advanced fields such as aerospace engineering, satellite technology, and artificial intelligence-driven systems. Such achievements inspire young minds to pursue careers in science and innovation, strengthening the country’s future.

Pakistan’s progress in space technology is not only a matter of national pride but also a strategic step toward long-term development. As the world becomes more data-driven, satellite-based information will be a powerful tool for smarter governance and faster progress.

The launch of PRSE-EO2 proves one clear reality: Pakistan is not standing still. Pakistan is moving forward. And with each successful mission, the nation strengthens its position as a country capable of innovation, modern research, and high-tech achievement.

This moment is a victory for Pakistan’s scientists, engineers, and institutions—and a hopeful sign for the future of a stronger, smarter, and more advanced Pakistan.

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Pakistan

Kashmir Day: A Voice for Dignity, Peace, and Justice

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Every year on 5th February, Pakistan observes Kashmir Day to express solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. For many, it is a national tradition. But for those who understand the human reality behind the issue, it is far more than that. Kashmir Day is a reminder that millions of people still live with uncertainty, restrictions, and a future that remains unresolved.

As AikQaum, we believe Kashmir is not simply a political dispute. It is a human story. Behind every news report are families, children, students, and ordinary people who want what every human being wants: safety, dignity, and a peaceful life. Kashmir Day matters because silence does not reduce suffering. When the world stops speaking about Kashmir, the pain does not disappear—it only becomes less visible.

For Pakistan, Kashmir is an emotional and moral responsibility. It is tied to shared history, shared identity, and a deep sense of connection. But this responsibility must be carried with wisdom. Support for Kashmir should not be expressed through hatred or extreme language. It should be expressed through dignity, truth, and consistent advocacy based on human rights and international principles.

In today’s world, the Kashmir issue is also a battle of narratives. Misinformation spreads quickly, and emotional reactions often replace facts. This is where Pakistan’s youth have a powerful role. Young Pakistanis can support Kashmir by sharing verified information, raising awareness responsibly, and keeping the conversation alive in a way that the world can respect. A cause becomes stronger when it is represented with discipline and humanity.

Kashmir Day also reminds Pakistan of the importance of unity. A divided nation cannot carry a moral cause effectively. If Pakistan wants the world to listen, Pakistan must first stand together. Unity is not only a national value—it is a strategic necessity.

To the people of Kashmir, AikQaum’s message is clear: you are not forgotten. Your voices matter. Your courage is respected. Your future is important. Pakistan’s solidarity is not limited to one day; it is a long-term commitment rooted in conscience and shared humanity.

Kashmir Day is ultimately a day of conscience. It is a reminder that justice must be pursued with patience, wisdom, and peace. At AikQaum, we stand with Kashmir—firmly, respectfully, and with the belief that no people should remain unheard forever.

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“Winter Relief Drive Brings Warmth and Dignity to Islamabad’s Most Vulnerable”

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Providing a sense of security to deserving families in Islamabad during cold nights
Islamabad: With a determination not to leave deserving and disadvantaged families and individuals alone in the severe cold of Islamabad, the “Social Cooperation Initiative” in collaboration with the “Zakat Foundation of America” distributed “Winter Relief Packages” among poor families and needy individuals. The aim of this campaign is to protect poor families and needy individuals from the harshness of the weather and provide them with a sense of security.

1- 50 widowed women residing in Jinnah Garden were provided with cold protection equipment so that they could face the harshness of the weather.
2- 20 members of the neglected section of the society, the transgender community, were also provided with relief packages.
3- 20 homeless people living a miserable life under bridges were directly reached out and provided with essential relief items.
4- In addition, 20 women residents of the Social Protection Women’s Center (8-H) were distributed blankets and quilts.
The relief package included warm shawls, blankets, socks, gloves, hats, and warm hoodies for adults and children.
On this occasion, the leadership of the “Social Cooperation Initiative” thanked the “Zakat Foundation of America” ​​and said: “The winter season is a very difficult time for disadvantaged families and needy individuals. Our goal is to ensure that no deserving person is deprived of assistance. This campaign is not just about distributing goods, but also a commitment to serving humanity and social inclusion.

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