ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif recently emphasized the inclusion of projects in the upcoming development budget that prioritize import substitutions, expand export volume, and promote innovation in various sectors.
During a meeting to review budget proposals for the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2023-24, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the allocation of special funds for the welfare and development of the country's youth. He emphasized the inclusion of projects in the budget related to higher education, professional training, and job creation for the youth. He also called for the establishment of the Pakistan Endowment Fund to provide higher education opportunities.
Furthermore, the prime minister suggested including the laptop program in the upcoming PSDP, which aims to distribute free laptops among high-performing students to enhance their technological skills. He emphasized the importance of providing professional and higher education, as well as skills-based training in the IT sector, through the endowment fund.
Prime Minister Shehbaz stressed the need for merit and transparency in providing scholarships and education opportunities to the youth. He directed the continuation of projects initiated under the Kissan Package and the inclusion of renewable energy projects in the development budget. The prime minister also highlighted the importance of allocating special funds for projects aimed at promoting innovation in the energy sector.
He emphasized consulting all relevant stakeholders and allied parties before including any development project in the budget, considering their proposals and suggestions. The prime minister called for the removal of slow-moving ongoing projects under the PSDP that have lost their significance.
During the meeting, detailed briefings were provided on the proposals for new projects in the upcoming fiscal year and the progress of ongoing projects. The meeting highlighted that projects related to the agriculture sector, renewable energy, higher education for youth, professional training, and job creation schemes would be essential components of the development budget. Projects aimed at IT sector development and export promotion were also included.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was informed about the successful implementation of the Prime Minister Kissan Package and Youth Empowerment Programme, which have provided internships to over 60,000 youth in various government development projects. Additionally, wheat production has reached a 10-year record high this year.
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 Prime Minister Malik Ahmad Khan, Ataullah Tarrar, Jehanzeb Khan, and other relevant officials.
