Planning Ministry considers open access to PSDP data

Governance Innovation Lab under the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives has taken a major step towards making information about the 750 billion rupees development expenditure of Pakistan accessible to the masses.

 

According to the Ministry, a new portal will be created to provide real-time information about the allocation, release, and progress of every PSDP project through a graphical interface.

 

All approved PC-1s will be available and accessible on the portal, and the Ministry has established a Champions of Reforms network to seek input from citizens in reviewing and evaluating project proposals under PSDP.

 

This unprecedented move will ensure greater returns on investment by making sure that the PSDP reflects the aspirations of the citizens.

 

Expert opinions gathered during the evaluation process will be included as a special section in the Executive Summary of PC-1 that is presented at the CDWP, making all stakeholders accountable to the citizens of Pakistan and enhancing the transparency and effectiveness of PSDP. Both the Ministry’s and independent experts’ opinions will be reflected in the PC1s and discussed in the CDWP meetings.

 

This digitization initiative is a major step towards making the PSDP allocations more accountable and accessible to the public, and the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives is proud to lead the way in this effort.

 

These suggestions were discussed in the roundtable conference organized by the GIL during which Minister Ahsan Iqbal makes a bold move towards greater transparency in development expenditure at the Round Table Conference on the Digitisation of the PSDP.

 

By incorporating global expert viewpoints, the dedicated portal allows civil society to monitor progress on PSDP projects and researchers to conduct in-depth analysis. This collaboration will aid the Ministry in enhancing PSDP allocations and driving positive change for the citizens of Pakistan.

 

Source: Radio Pakistan

UAE expresses keen interest to augment investment in Pakistan’s economy

The United Arab Emirates has expressed its keen interest to augment investment in Pakistan in new sectors of the economy.

 

The interest was shown by Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Pakistan Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salim Al-Zaabi during his meeting with Finance Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad on Wednesday.

 

The Ambassador highlighted that UAE is fully cognizant of the development-oriented economic policies of Pakistan.

 

During the meeting, they shared historical and long-standing ties between both countries and exchanged views on further boosting and strengthening these economic ties.

 

Both sides resolved to timely implement the decisions taken during recent visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to the UAE.

 

The Finance Minister welcomed the proposal for new investment in Pakistan by UAE and assured the UAE’s Ambassador of full support and cooperation by the government.

 

He highlighted the avenues for investment in Pakistan in energy, refinery, petroleum and trade sectors.

 

Source: Radio Pakistan

President calls upon Ulema to play role in discouraging extremism

President Dr. Arif Alvi has called upon the religious scholars to play their role in bringing positive social change and discouraging extremism, terrorism, and sectarianism in the country.

 

Talking to a delegation of Ulema Mashaikh Yakjehti Council of Pakistan in Islamabad on Wednesday, he said they also have a role in promoting the conservation of resources, national solidarity, religious tolerance, inter-faith harmony and peace.

 

He said that the challenges of terrorism and militancy in Pakistan required a comprehensive action plan coupled with concerted efforts on the part of the Ulema in the areas of counter-extremism and counter-terrorism.

 

The President stated that it is the responsibility of religious scholars to disseminate the true teachings of Islam among the people, especially the youth to promote virtue, ethics, and morality in society.

 

He said that Pakistan could progress and achieve its rightful place in the comity of nations through discipline, persistence, moral righteousness, and promoting social justice.

 

The President said that Ulema should make concerted efforts to remove divisions from society, and should promote unity and solidarity within the country. He said the youth should be educated on tolerance, forgiveness, and peace as these were the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

 

Source: Radio Pakistan