ISLAMABAD, Oct 26 (APP):Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Monday said 19 Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) projects worth Rs181.37 billion were currently under implementation by the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives.
Responding during question hour, in the National Assembly he said 13 projects were functional, while work was underway to make the remaining six new projects functional.
According to the details shared with the House, the projects included 11 in the social sector, three in governance, one in mass media, one in economic development, one in information technology and two in infrastructure.
The minister rejected the general impression that all projects were facing delays, saying that implementation timelines varied and delays, where reported, were attributable to specific reasons related to individual projects.
Responding to a supplementary question regarding infrastructure development and funding for disaster-affected areas, the minister said the government was giving priority to important road projects and ensuring that relevant assistance reached areas affected by disasters.
He said the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was actively performing its responsibilities and working on preparedness measures to deal with potential disasters.
Regarding the Sukkur-Karachi Motorway project, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry acknowledged that delays had occurred in the past, adding that the project involved both the Ministry of Planning and the Ministry of Communications.
He said work on the project was progressing and it remained among the government’s top priorities.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
