ISLAMABAD: The federal government is considering a significant cut in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the upcoming fiscal year, proposing a budget of Rs1,000 billion. This is Rs400 billion less than the initially allocated Rs1,400 billion for the current fiscal year, and Rs100 billion less than the revised figure of Rs1,100 billion.
The official budget documents reveal that the development budget for federal ministries and divisions is proposed at Rs662 billion. Major allocations include Rs50.34 billion for the Cabinet Division, Rs503 million for the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Rs4.79 billion for Science and Technology, and Rs6.15 billion for the Revenue Division.
The IT Ministry is expected to receive Rs13.53 billion, while Rs10.91 billion is proposed for the Interior Ministry's development schemes. The National Highway Authority (NHA) is earmarked for Rs229 billion, and the Power Division may receive Rs104 billion.
For the upcoming fiscal year, a total of Rs245.89 billion is proposed for development projects in provinces and special regions. Of this, Rs93.44 billion is intended for provincial projects, Rs70.44 billion for the merged districts, and Rs82 billion for development in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) is expected to be allocated Rs45 billion. Additionally, Rs140 billion is proposed for water resource projects, Rs19.68 billion for the Ministry of Federal Education, and Rs15.34 billion for the Ministry of National Health Services.
The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission is expected to receive Rs4.75 billion for development schemes. Pakistan Railways is set to get Rs24.71 billion, while the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) may be allocated Rs24.15 billion.
Defense-related development allocations include Rs11.55 billion for the Ministry of Defence and Rs1.79 billion for the Ministry of Defence Production.
