Govt revises SAP guidelines ahead of proposed Rs70 billion allocation for parliamentarians

The federal government has revised guidelines for the Sustainable Development Goals Achievement Programme (SAP) ahead of the upcoming budget, under which around Rs70 billion has been proposed for development schemes linked to parliamentarians.

The revised instructions were issued by the Cabinet Division to regulate utilisation of SAP funds and improve implementation of development projects.

The programme has faced criticism in recent years, with opposition parties and analysts questioning its effectiveness and describing it as a mechanism used to secure political support from treasury lawmakers.

According to official details, more than Rs300 billion has been utilised under the programme during the last five years.

Under the revised guidelines, SAP-funded schemes will focus on sectors including education, healthcare, clean drinking water, roads, sanitation, gas, electricity, solar systems and community development initiatives.

The guidelines also allow schemes related to graveyards, Janazagahs, places of worship, playgrounds and public parks.

According to the new framework, at least 10 residents of an area will identify and propose development schemes.

The estimated cost of projects under the programme will range from Rs250,000 to Rs100 million. However, no upper limit has been set for gas sector schemes to allow projects undertaken by Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited.

For power sector projects, the cost limit has been fixed at Rs150,000.

The proposed schemes will be submitted to deputy commissioners or relevant federal executing agencies for processing and approval under applicable rules and policies.