Press Release Title: Senator Quratulain Marri, Chairperson Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Presiding over a Meeting of The Committee at Parliament House Islamabad

Press Release Date: 4th September, 2026

Senate Committee Reviews Uraan Pakistan Progress, Development Planning and Accessibility Measures The Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives was held  at Parliament House, Islamabad, under the Chairpersonship of Senator Quratulain Marri to review the implementation status of Uraan Pakistan, including progress against its approved targets and key economic indicators, as well as the integration of universal accessibility considerations into the development planning process. The Committee was briefed by the Secretary, Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, on the long-term vision of Uraan Pakistan up to 2035, the 13th Five-Year Plan and the annual and PSDP plans for FY 2026–27. Officials presented key economic indicators against the targets for FY 2028–29, including GDP growth, investment, inflation, exports, remittances, IT exports and debt-to-GDP ratio. The Committee raised questions regarding the current status of the current account balance and the targets set under Uraan Pakistan. Officials informed the Committee that the shortfall in achieving the target was attributable to an increase in workers’ remittances and expressed the expectation that the current account balance would move closer to the target in the coming years. Further, the discussion also focused on major railway infrastructure projects, particularly ML-1 and railway connectivity between Rohri and Nawabshah, as well as the proposed Gwadar railway linkage. Senator Shahadat Awan questioned the progress on the projects and sought details regarding the ongoing negotiations. Officials informed the Committee that negotiations were under way in accordance with the directions of the Prime Minister. Furthermore, Senator Shahadat Awan stressed that negotiations alone could not be treated as tangible progress and sought a clear timeline and visible advancement on projects that formed part of the Government's development vision. Moreover, the Committee was also briefed on the proposed connectivity of Thar coal with Port Qasim. Officials informed the Committee that work on the project was under way and was expected to be completed by the end of the current year. The Committee also received a briefing on the integration of universal accessibility and inclusivity into the development planning process, particularly through revisions to the PC-I Proforma. The Ministry informed the Committee that, in accordance with its directives, the matter had been incorporated into the revised PC-I Proforma for implementation through development projects.  The Committee noted with appreciation that its recommendations in its meeting last year has resulted in a major achievement, ensuring that accessibility considerations are addressed from PC-1 stage.  The Chairperson emphasized that development policies must translate into practical facilities and opportunities for persons with disabilities, and expressed satisfaction that the Committee’s recommendations had resulted in a concrete policy-level improvement.   The meeting was attended by Senators Shahadat Awan, Saadia Abbasi, Manzoor Ahmed and Jam Saifullah Khan, along with the Secretary Planning and other relevant officials.