The federal government has not yet released funds for more than 180 development projects during the current financial year, causing a delay in their completion.
The projects still awaiting funds to be released include Gilgit-Shandur-Chitral Road, Mirpur-Mangala-Muzaffarabad Road, Bhara Kahu four-lane flyover, Dera Murad Jamali Bypass, four-lane Rajanpur-DG Khan Highway, the University of Central Asia Pakistan Phase I, the University of Mines and Minerals in Naukandi, Handicraft Export Development project, Quetta Saryab Road Sports Complex project, Faisalabad Garments City Phase II, New Gaj Dam, Naulong Storage Dam and new Gwadar International Airport.
Of Rs701 billion development funds allocated for FY20, an amount of Rs470.79 billion has been released that accounts for 67 per cent of total allocations.
According to the Planning Commission’s rules, the release of amount for 80pc funds is required in the first three quarters. Thus, 13pc fewer funds for the first three quarters of FY20 have been released, which is likely to slow down projects.
Until now, the highest amount of funds has been released for the construction and repair of national highways.
The government, during the current year, released Rs145.48 billion to the NHA; Rs14.58 billion to the NTDC and PEPCO; Rs34.21 billion to Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir; Rs1.51 billion for Prime Minister’s Youth Skill Programme; Rs22.75 billion to the HEC for higher education projects; Rs6 billion for climate change projects; Rs730 million for industries and production; Rs8.16 billion for food security; Rs10.71 billion for railways; Rs53.36 billion for water reserves; and Rs2.11 billion for science and technology projects.
