The National Economic Council (NEC) on Thursday approved 'Pakistan Vision 2025' plan aimed at unlocking the immense potential within the country. The meeting presided over by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and attended by the Chief Ministers approved Rs 1.310 trillion development budget for the next fiscal year and 5.1 percent growth target with a projected 8 percent rate of inflation.
Major pillars of next vision include developing human and social capital, achieving good governance, institutional reform and modernisation of the public sector as well as developing a competitive knowledge economy through value-addition. The NEC allowed the Planning Commission to publish the details of "Pakistan Vision 2025" for public information and directed Ministries/Provinces/Special Areas and Public Sector agencies to make concerted efforts in co-ordination with Ministry of Planning, Development & Reform to effectively implement the proposed vision. Moreover, the Planning Commission was authorised for regular monitoring of progress to translate the 'Vision' into a reality through a Performance Delivery Unit against key performance indicators (KPIs) and approved the framework for eleventh five-year plan within the perspective of 'Vision 2025'.
The NEC discussed and approved the Annual Plan 2013-14 and proposed Annual Plan for 2014-15 as well as Public Sector Development Programme for the next fiscal year with a detailed briefing by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal who presented a comparative study of the PSDP achievements of 2013-14 and targets set for 2014-15.
The NEC also approved the allocations for Diamer Bhasha Dam, Karachi Coastal Power Project, Dasu Hydro power, Neelum-Jehlum hydro power, Chashma NPP, Jamshoro power, Tarbella Extension IV, Nandipur power, Chichon-ki-Malyan Power, Gomal Zam, Kurram Tangi Dam and Golan Gol hydro power projects. Citing the significant allocations for the power projects, the Prime Minister commented that it shows seriousness and commitment of the government towards alleviating power scarcity. The meeting was informed that the government has released Rs 37 billion for Diamer-Bhasha dam in one calendar year to expedite the project.
Infrastructure projects including Lahore-Karachi Motorway, Hasanabdal-Havelian- Mansehra Road project, Peshawar Northern Bypass, Raikot-Islamabad project, Gwadar Airport, Gwadar Free Economic Zone and construction of a jetty and infrastructure development at Gaddani Power Park also received approval of the NEC. A feasibility study on construction of Havelian-Raikot railway line was also approved. The meeting was informed that Rs 53.5 billion is the land acquisition cost of the Lahore-Karachi Motorway of which 25.5 billion has already been released.
While discussing the development projects in Balochistan, CM Balochistan pointed out the delay and corruption in the Quetta water supply scheme. He sated that Rs 10 billion has been spent but on ground there is no development. The Prime Minister directed to hold an inquiry into the matter and fix the responsibility. He also asked Dr Abdul Malik to monitor projects himself.
The NEC also approved construction of a cancer hospital in Islamabad. The Prime Minister directed to prepare a plan for constructing a cancer hospital in various areas including Gilgit-Baltistan, AJK and Fata. Senior Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sirajul Haq raised the matter of a delay in completion of Lowari Tunnel project due to paucity of funds. The Prime Minister directed to specify the required funds for completion of the project. He said, "I will personally visit the project along with the Governor and Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to see the on-ground situation." He added that none of the developmental projects would be ignored. The PM also warned against delays in the execution of projects.
Addressing the query of Governor KPK regarding development funds for Fata, the Prime Minister said that FATA needs special attention in country's development strategy and the development funds for FATA would be rationalised. The Chief Minister Balochistan raised the issue of funding of transmission lines for far-flung areas, the issue of power shortages in Balochistan and water supply scheme for Gwadar. The PM said that nature has endowed Balochistan with vast resources of solar energy and we need to tap this energy. He directed to prepare a feasibility study for installing solar power panels in Balochistan. It would not only resolve the energy shortage but also provide affordable energy to local people, he added. The Prime Minister directed to plan the water supply scheme and assured funding by the federal government.
The meeting was attended by the Federal Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Industries and Production Ghulam Murtaza Jatoi, Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Reform Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sardar Mehtab Abbasi, Chief Ministers Shahbaz Sharif, Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Pervez Khattak and Dr. Abdul Malik, Finance Minister of Punjab, Advisor to CM Sindh on Finance Syed Murad Ali Shah, Sirajul Haq Senior Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal Provincial Minister Balochistan.
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