The caretaker government has been facing hurdles in unveiling the 13th five-year plan before the National Economic Council (NEC), primarily attributed to insufficient preparations for the comprehensive strategy. Additionally, concerns raised by various quarters regarding the caretaker government's mandate have added to the complexities. Government sources reveal that instead of formally presenting the 13th five-year plan for the years 2024-2029 to the NEC next Monday, the caretaker government is opting to seek approval for the socio-economic objectives outlined in the plan. It's worth noting that the interim government had initially greenlit the project, directing the Planning Commission to craft the necessary plans. However, the completion of several crucial chapters of the plan remains pending, causing delays.

Sources indicate that the caretaker government has taken the decision to defer the task of preparing and approving the project to the incoming government. This move follows the postponement by the previous caretaker government in restructuring the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). Reports suggest that the upcoming NEC meeting, chaired by the Prime Minister, will convene on Monday to deliberate on six agenda items. Among these items is the consideration of halting ongoing provincial projects funded by the federal government. It's noteworthy that three provincial governments have already raised concerns about the perceived overreach of the caretaker government's mandate.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)