ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday stressed that public funds must be invested in development projects that deliver tangible and measurable results.
He chaired a meeting to review the current year’s development budget and proposed projects under the upcoming Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) for the next financial year, the PM Office Media Wing said in a statement.
During the meeting, the prime minister emphasized that ministries that demonstrate better results will be prioritized in the allocation of funds for development projects.
He said water reservoirs and hydropower projects were among the government’s top priorities in development spending, stressing that water reservoir improvement projects would be accorded high priority.
The prime minister lauded the achievements of the ministries of railways, information technology and power and directed the authorities to encourage public-private partnerships in the development projects.
Participants at the meeting were briefed on the progress made on the current PSDP and briefed on proposed development schemes and required funding for the next financial year.
The officials concerned presented updates on major national water storage and hydropower projects including Dasu Dam, Diamer-Bhasha Dam and Mohmand Dam.
The Prime Minister also chaired a meeting with Pakistan’s ambassadors to Iran and the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in the Prime Minister’s Office.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister lshaq Dar, Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister EAD, Dr. Syed Tauqir Shah, Adviser to the Prime Minister, SAPM Syed Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Minister Amna Baloch were also present.
During the meeting, the ambassadors briefed the premier on the current state of bilateral relations, new opportunities and challenges in their respective countries.
Issues related to strengthening economic diplomacy, improving trade and investment ties, remittances and Pakistani diaspora were discussed.
The Prime Minister emphasized the historical, economic and strategic importance of the GCC countries and Iran in Pakistan’s foreign policy.
