NA body calls for fiscal discipline in development planning

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives emphasised fiscal discipline, greater transparency in national development planning, and the need to maximise public benefit amid growing financial constraints.

The Committee met here on Monday with MNA Syed Abdul Kadir Gilani in the chair.

The Committee discussed policy and development matters, including key amendment bills, implementation of previous recommendations, major infrastructure projects, and the report of its Sub-Committee.

The Committee reviewed the implementation status of recommendations made in earlier sittings. During the ensuing discussion, the Committee was briefed on the prevailing fiscal environment and the challenges confronting the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).

Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal informed members that, owing to financial constraints, significant adjustments had been made to development allocations and that difficult prioritisation decisions were necessary to ensure continuity of critical national projects.

The Committee also considered the Public Private Partnership Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and took note of the institutional developments relating to the transfer of relevant functions to the Privatisation Division. The Committee also deliberated upon the ‘The General Statistics (Reorganisation) (Amendment) Bill, 2025’. While recognising the technical nature of the proposed amendments, the committee observed that certain provisions required further examination and consequently, the Bill was deferred for further consideration.

A detailed discussion was held on the Calling Attention Notice regarding the Federal Government’s takeover of the Rs465 billion Lahore–Bahawalnagar Motorway Project, including broader concerns relating to development priorities and resource allocation. Members underscored the importance of maintaining a balanced approach to national infrastructure development and emphasised that major public investments must be accompanied by transparency, clear implementation schedules, and regular reporting to Parliament. The Committee stressed that development agencies should provide definitive timelines and measurable milestones to facilitate effective parliamentary oversight and public accountability. The Committee deferred the agenda item till next meeting.

The Committee also considered matters relating to ongoing and proposed infrastructure projects in various regions of the country, including the status of the bridge project between Peer Mahal and Mian Channu. Members highlighted the importance of ensuring that approved schemes are implemented promptly and that local communities are kept informed regarding project progress and expected completion schedules.

The report of the Sub-Committee, presented by Convener, Syed Sami-ul-Hassan Gillani, MNA, was taken up and adopted by the Committee after due consideration. During discussion on related matters, the Committee also directed that the Ministry extend all necessary assistance regarding issues about the Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company Limited (PIDCL), so as to facilitate informed consideration of matters falling within its purview.

The Committee reiterated its commitment to ensuring that public resources are utilised efficiently and that development initiatives continue to serve the broader national interest through equitable and evidence-based planning.

The meeting was attended by MNAs: Major (Retd) Tahir Iqbal, Syed Sami ul Hassan Gillani, Ms. Naz Baloch, Ms. Izbal Zehri (Zoom), Malik Sohail Khan (Zoom), Farhan Chishti, along with the mover of the agenda item, Syed Naveed Qamar. The Minister of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, along with senior officials from the Ministry, also attended the meeting.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026