By Farooq Awan

Pakistan has spent Rs361.3 billion under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) by February of the current fiscal year, utilizing about 36 percent of the total development allocation, according to the Monthly Development Update released by the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives.

The report states that the total size of the PSDP for FY2025-26 stands at Rs1,000 billion. Out of this allocation, an amount of Rs403 billion had been sanctioned by ministries and divisions by February, while expenditure recorded in the SAP system reached Rs361.3 billion.

According to the report, development spending during the fiscal year has been directed across multiple sectors, including infrastructure, social development and special areas.

The infrastructure sector received the largest share of development allocations. The report shows that infrastructure projects were allocated Rs614.7 billion, of which Rs214.7 billion had been spent by February, representing 35 percent utilization.

The transport and communications sector also accounted for a significant portion of development spending. According to the report, Rs325.6 billion was allocated to this sector, while expenditure reached Rs95.0 billion during the period under review.

In the water sector, development allocation amounted to Rs97.8 billion, while spending recorded by February reached Rs44.9 billion. The energy sector received an allocation of Rs122.7 billion, with Rs40.6 billion spent during the fiscal year up to February.

The report also highlights spending in social sectors. Health and nutrition programs were allocated Rs16.5 billion, with Rs3.7 billion utilized during the period. Education, including projects implemented through the Higher Education Commission, received Rs65.3billion, with Rs30.4 billion spent.

Other sectors receiving development allocations included science and information technology, governance, industries, food and agriculture production, and merged districts.

Special areas, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, were allocated Rs81.8 billion under the development program, with Rs35.9 billion spent by February.

The Planning Ministry’s report indicates that development spending under the PSDP is distributed across sectors to support infrastructure development, social services and economic activity.

According to the Monthly Development Update, ministries and divisions continue to utilize development funds during the fiscal year as part of the federal government’s public investment program.

Credit: INP-WealthPk