The federal government has authorised the use of development funds totaling Rs 241.26 billion out of a total allocation of Rs 727 billion under its Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for various ongoing and new social sector uplift projects of the federal ministries and divisions in the first four months of the current fiscal year. The entire amount spent on development projects during the same period, out of the total authorized/disbursed amount, was Rs 98.8 billion. According to the Planning Division's distribution system, the federal budget's development funds are issued at a rate of 20% in the first quarter (July-September), followed by 30% in each of the second and third quarters, and 20% in the fourth and final quarter (April-June) of a fiscal year.

The most recent information provided by the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Reform indicates that the government further authorized/disbursed Rs 100 billion for the Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA). According to the details, corporations have received Rs 57.133 billion out of a total allocation of Rs 160.2 billion, while the federal ministries have received Rs 184 billion out of a total allocation of Rs 563.3 billion. Out of a total budget of Rs 117.2 billion, the government has disbursed Rs 29.9 billion for the National Highway Authority (NHA), whereas it has paid out Rs 27.2 billion for NTDC/PEPCO. Out of a total budget of Rs 87 billion, the federal government has also disbursed or authorised Rs 87 billion; however, so far, only Rs 0.78 billion has been spent on the development projects of the Cabinet Division.

The data also reveals that Rs 161 million has been paid to the Board of Investment, while Rs 494 million has been paid to the Aviation Division. Additionally, the government approved spending Rs 1.9 billion for the Climate Change Division, but only Rs 38 million of that amount was used during the review period. The government has approved the transfer of Rs 17.78 billion for the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Rs 25.2 billion for provinces and special regions, Rs 435 million for the Commerce Division, Rs 36 million for the Communication Division (other than NHA), and Rs 445 million for the Defense Division. The government also gave the Federal Education and Professional Training Division Rs 1.4 billion, the Establishment Division Rs 180 million, the Housing and Works Division Rs 4.3 billion, and the Finance Division Rs 286 million.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk