The Annual Plan Coordination Committee (APCC) met today in Islamabad under the chairmanship of the Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, to review the progress of the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2024–25 and finalize recommendations for the upcoming PSDP 2025–26. The meeting brought together high-level federal and provincial representatives, including Secretaries, Principal Accounting Officers, and planning officials from Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir. The session was convened at a critical juncture as Pakistan seeks to navigate significant economic and geopolitical challenges while continuing to implement its long-term development agenda under URAAN Pakistan.
While addressing the participants, the Minister emphasized that despite limited fiscal space and competing demands, the government remains fully committed to sustaining development momentum through strategic realignment of resources and policy reforms. He noted that when the current government assumed office in early 2024, it inherited an economic landscape marked by constrained revenues, pressing foreign obligations, and structural imbalances. However, with a clear vision and decisive leadership, the Planning Commission mobilized stakeholders around a common development framework—URAAN Pakistan—which aims to transform Pakistan into a $1 trillion economy by 2035 and a $3 trillion economy by 2047. The Minister reiterated that the federal government believes that the success of URAAN Pakistan depends on close coordination with provincial governments and the alignment of all tiers of development planning with national priorities.
During the APCC meeting all the Provinces appreciated Minister Planning’s personal and dedicated efforts for the transparent and collaborative planning process — especially the mechanisms put in place to ensure smooth project implementation and timely fund releases. They gave positive feedback on how streamlined approvals are speeding up development and helping deliver results on the ground. Together, Pakistan is building a more connected, efficient, and prosperous Pakistan.
During the meeting, a detailed review of PSDP 2024–25 was presented. It was noted that the National Economic Council had approved a National Development Outlay of Rs. 3,792.3 billion, which included Rs. 1,400 billion for the Federal PSDP, Rs. 2,095.4 billion for Provincial ADPs, and Rs. 196.9 billion for State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). However, due to financial constraints, the federal PSDP was later reduced to Rs. 1,100 billion. As of 31st May 2025, Rs. 1,036 billion had been authorized for release, and Rs. 596 billion had been utilized. A total of 1,071 projects were included in the PSDP, with an approved cost of Rs. 13,427 billion, of which Rs. 3,216 billion had already been spent by June 2024. A throw-forward liability of Rs. 10,216 billion remains, underscoring the urgent need for project rationalization and financial discipline.
The Minister highlighted that there is a dire need to increase the development budget of the country, which has direct bearing on growth and job creation. However, due to fiscal discipline agreed with IMF government is constrained to not increase PSDP. The only way to increase development spending is to increase the revenues by increasing Tax/GDP ratio from 10% to 16-18%. He said that by being lowest tax paying economy we can’t aspire to grow. Every tax paying citizen must become partner of the government in rooting out the menace of tax theft. The government has undertaken number of reforms to overhaul tax administration. To ensure maximum value for the investment in development sector, Ministry has taken multiple reviews of project performance, including quarterly and mid-year reviews for better investment efficiency. A comprehensive assessment of the ongoing project portfolio was conducted. As a result, over 118 slow-moving or redundant projects, mostly approved at the DDWP level, were recommended for capping or closure, potentially saving Rs. 1,000 billion and freeing resources for high-impact initiatives. Moreover, the Planning Commission facilitated re-appropriations of Rs. 84 billion to fast-moving projects and critical interventions, while Rs. 80 billion were reallocated through TSGs for emergent national priorities such as the solarization of tube wells in Balochistan.
Looking ahead to FY 2025–26, the Minister announced that the proposed PSDP has been restructured in line with core principles of sustainability, impact, and equity. The Finance Division, after consultations with the IMF, has firmed up an Indicative Budget Ceiling of Rs. 1,000 billion for the federal PSDP, including Rs. 270 billion in foreign aid. The PSDP 2025–26 portfolios have been developed following extensive consultations with Ministries and Provinces through Priority Committee meetings and high-level reviews chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister and Advisor to the Prime Minister. The final recommendations reflect a strict prioritization of ongoing high-impact, foreign-aided, and near-completion projects. In total, 1,120 projects have been included in the proposed PSDP, of which a significant number are designed to be completed within the next 3–4 years if fiscal space is maintained. Pakistan faces serious challenge of water security therefore Diamer Bhasha Dam is given top priority. Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway will be started during 2025-26. Balochistan will get highest share in development funds of nearly Rs 250 billion.
Sectoral allocations have been finalized with Rs. 644 billion allocated to infrastructure, including Rs. 332 billion for transport and communications and Rs. 144 billion for energy. Rs. 150 billion has been proposed for the social sector, including Rs. 63 billion for education and higher education and Rs. 22 billion for health. Special areas like AJK and GB will receive Rs. 63 billion, while Rs. 70 billion has been allocated for merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Science and IT sectors have been allocated Rs. 53 billion, while Rs. 9 billion has been proposed for governance. Production sectors, including food, agriculture, and industries, will receive Rs. 11 billion. In addition, State-Owned Enterprises have submitted development plans amounting to Rs. 288 billion, with major contributions from entities like WAPDA, NTDC, OGDCL, and others.
The Minister informed the participants that one of the most serious challenges has been the increasing tension and security risks following the events of May 7, 2025, when hostilities broke out along the eastern border. This conflict has led to increased defense spending requirements and exerted additional pressure on the already limited development budget. He candidly acknowledged the dilemma faced by the government: choosing between critical national defense and the developmental needs of the people. However, he reassured participants that the government remains committed to maintaining a careful balance. The Minister stated that the strength of a nation lies not just in its defense capabilities, but also in the health, education, and economic empowerment of its citizens. The government will not allow Pakistan’s development journey to be derailed. Instead, it will adopt innovative planning, smart budgeting, and rigorous monitoring to ensure that the needs of both defense and development are addressed.
The APCC also deliberated on critical policy reforms. It endorsed the proposal to stop at-source deduction of Cash Development Loans (CDL) from PSDP funds, as this practice hampers project cash flows and delays implementation. The Committee reiterated the policy that provincial nature projects should be funded by provinces, except in cases involving strategic national interest or implementation in deprived regions. Furthermore, the APCC recommended imposing a moratorium on DDWP-level project approvals during the tenure of the IMF programme, except in exceptional cases with full justification and review by the CDWP. It was also proposed that no development funds be diverted to recurring expenditures during the fiscal year.
In his concluding remarks, Ahsan Iqbal reiterated the federal government’s unwavering resolve to transform adversity into opportunity. He emphasized that Pakistan’s current economic path, though challenging, is also full of potential. URAAN Pakistan provides the guiding vision, rooted in five core pillars: Exports, E-Pakistan, Energy & Infrastructure, Environment & Climate Resilience, and Equity, Ethics & Empowerment. Through this framework, the government aims to restore public trust, inspire innovation, and unlock economic potential across all sectors and regions. He called upon all stakeholders—federal ministries, provincial departments, development partners, and the private sector—to move forward with shared commitment and unity of purpose.
He concluded by stating, “We are not just managing a budget—we are shaping the future. The world may see limitations, but we see opportunities. Our history is full of moments when the Pakistani nation rose above challenges through resolve and resilience. This is one such moment. Together, let us rise and lead Pakistan towards sustainable development, economic dignity, and national pride. URAAN Pakistan is not just a programme—it is the spirit of our national ambition.”
