The federal government has decided to revise the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) for 2024-25 to enhance the role of local governments and district administrations while ensuring the equitable utilisation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.
According to a news report, the decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, attended by senior officials, where significant reforms were discussed, including a comprehensive review of the 18th Amendment and National Finance Commission (NFC) Awards based on the latest census data, as required under Article 160 of the Constitution.
The meeting also approved the establishment of National and Provincial Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centres to strengthen security coordination. Provinces, including Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), have endorsed the initiative. Moreover, a National Counter Violent Extremism Act is under consideration to tackle rising security challenges.
The government is also considering the creation of a “National Explosive Control Authority” to regulate explosives as a federal subject. The proposed legislation for the authority will be submitted to Parliament for approval. Implementation Committees will be established at federal and provincial levels, along with District Coordination Committees, to ensure effective governance.
To bolster security, the government plans to upgrade the technology, training, and leadership of police and Counter-Terrorism Departments (CTDs), alongside measures to depoliticise the police and civil administration. High-ranking Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) officers will be posted in newly merged districts following the Balochistan model.
In addition, the government aims to dismantle illegal spectrum activities and the crime-terror nexus and has launched a nationwide anti-encroachment drive targeting illegal settlements in urban suburbs. Federal jurisdiction is also being extended over institutions such as the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) in AJK and GB. Plans are underway to establish “safe cities” in major urban centres.
Stricter laws to address violence, social media misuse, and anti-state activities are also being considered. The government intends to register and reform madaris (religious schools) and mosques as part of broader efforts to modernise religious education and practices.
A major decision includes making terrorism a federal subject and empowering the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) by bringing CTDs under its jurisdiction to form a “Federal Counter-Terrorism Force.” However, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) expressed reservations, with its Chief Minister supporting the creation of the force under the provincial Inspector General of Police. The Prime Minister has tasked the Interior Minister with addressing KP’s concerns to ensure the Federal CT Force remains under federal oversight.
The government views these reforms as essential to achieving sustainable development, improving security, and strengthening local governance across the country.
