PM tells ministries funding linked to performance
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned ministries that development funding will prioritize performance and tangible results, emphasizing water and hydropower projects, while promoting public-private partnerships for efficient spending.
- Prioritizing performance for federal development funding.
- High-priority funding for water reservoirs and hydropower projects.
- Promoting public-private partnerships in development initiatives.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday took a hard line with federal ministries, warning that those delivering results would be prioritised for development funding, while underperformers risk falling behind.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on the current year’s development budget and proposed initiatives under the upcoming Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the next fiscal year, the prime minister emphasised that public funds must deliver tangible results and cannot be squandered on projects that fail to produce outcomes.
He highlighted the need for result-oriented spending. “Every rupee of public funds must produce measurable outcomes,” he stated, signalling a move towards stricter accountability in government expenditure.
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Water reservoirs and hydropower projects were placed firmly at the top of the government’s development agenda.
The prime minister stressed that enhancing water storage capacity and completing major hydropower initiatives would be given high-priority funding.
At the same time, he directed authorities to actively promote public-private partnerships in development projects, signalling a strategy to combine government oversight with private-sector efficiency.
Officials at the meeting gave a comprehensive briefing on the current PSDP, detailing progress on ongoing schemes and outlining proposed projects and funding requirements for the next fiscal year. They said that special attention is being paid to major national water storage and hydropower projects, including the Dasu, Diamer-Bhasha, and Mohmand dams, which are expected to remain central to development spending priorities.
“Water reservoirs and hydroelectric projects are among the top priorities for development budget allocations,” the prime minister reiterated.
Acknowledging the government’s financial achievements, Sharif praised Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb for the successful launch of Panda Bonds and their positive reception in the market, highlighting the administration’s ability to secure international confidence and funding.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026