STAFF REPORTER
ISLAMABAD: In a meeting held to review the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) proposals for the financial year 2023-24, Premier Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the inclusion of projects that promote import substitutions, expand export volume, and foster innovation in various sectors in the upcoming development budget. Furthermore, he directed the allocation of special funds within the development program to support the welfare and development of the country’s youth.
During the meeting, Premier Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the need to incorporate projects related to higher education, professional training, and job creation for the youth in the upcoming budget. He also called for the establishment of the Pakistan Endowment Fund, aimed at providing higher education opportunities to young individuals. Additionally, the prime minister advocated for the inclusion of the laptop program in the PSDP to distribute free laptops among high-achieving students, equipping them with modern technological skills.
Premier Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of providing professional and higher education, as well as skills-based training in the IT sector, through the endowment fund. He stressed the significance of prioritizing merit and transparency in awarding scholarships and educational opportunities to the youth.
Furthermore, the prime minister instructed the continuation of projects initiated under the Kissan Package and urged the inclusion of renewable energy initiatives in the development budget. Special funds were also directed to be allocated for projects focusing on innovation in the energy sector.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the removal of slow-moving ongoing projects that have lost their relevance from the development budget. He further directed the consultation of all relevant stakeholders and allied parties before including any development project in the budget, emphasizing the consideration of their proposals.
The meeting provided a detailed briefing on the proposals for new projects in the upcoming fiscal year, as well as the progress of ongoing projects. It highlighted the significance of incorporating agriculture sector projects, renewable energy initiatives, higher education opportunities for youth, professional training, and job creation schemes in the development budget. Additionally, projects promoting IT sector development and export growth were also highlighted.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was informed that the Prime Minister Kissan Package and Youth Empowerment Programme, included in the budget for 2022-23, were yielding positive results. Over 60,000 youth were currently benefiting from internships provided through various government development projects, and wheat production had reached a 10-year record high.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers Ishaq Dar, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Sanaullah, Rana Tanvir Hussain, Advisor Ahad Khan Cheema, Special Assistants to the Prime Minister Malik Ahmad Khan, Ataullah Tarrar, Jehanzeb Khan, and other relevant officials.
