News Detail
Event Title: Senator Qurat Ul Ain Marri, Chairperson Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Presiding over a Meeting of the Committee at Parliament House Islamabad
Event Date: 2025-02-19
The Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, chaired by Senator Quratulain Marri, convened today at the Parliament House. The meeting was attended by Senators Shahadat Awan, Jam Saifullah Khan, Zeeshan Khanzada, and Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, along with Secretary for the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives (M/O PD&SI), Awais Manzur Sumra, and senior representatives from relevant departments.
The Committee received a comprehensive briefing on Uraan Pakistan – the National Economic Transformation Plan (NETP) 2024-29. The discussion centered on the challenges confronting the project, including population growth, weak exports, and unstable development. Committee members stressed the importance of accurate statistics and comprehensive surveys to ensure informed decision-making. An overview of the project's 5Es framework was also presented.
Senator Quratulain Marri expressed concern over the lack of progress in implementation, despite a clear vision for the initiative. While discussing strategies for leveraging technology to drive digitalization, she questioned how the country’s digitalization efforts could be reconciled with the inconsistent state of internet access. It was reported that steps are being considered to expand coverage across various regions. Regarding internet access in rural areas, the Committee was informed of initiatives under the CPEC project and expansion plans in Karachi aimed at covering a broader range of areas. These efforts are currently under review.
On the matter of green energy affordability and accessibility, Senator Marri inquired whether the Ministry was collaborating with other ministries to ensure alignment and coordinated efforts. The Secretary of M/O PD&SI stated that all ministry secretaries have been engaged and that provincial governments are also being consulted to synchronize their initiatives with the federal plan.
The Committee members reviewed and appreciated progress in export goods and expressed optimism about future growth. However, they also underscored the critical issue of water scarcity, urging the Ministry to address it proactively. The Chairperson emphasized the need for an action plan to translate the existing structured framework and targets into tangible progress. She recommended that the next meeting include a sector-wise review of the 5Es to facilitate a clearer assessment.
Additionally, the budgetary proposals of the Ministry related to the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) were examined. After deliberations on road development projects, the Chairperson and Committee members strongly recommended that the federal government prioritize the M6 road, and construction work on M6 needs to start in this fiscal year. The Committee also decided to summon representatives from NHA, the Ministry of Railways for ML1, and the Ministry of Water Resources for K4 to review the progress.