Planning Commission rules out major shift in PSDP

Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Dr Akram Shaikh has ruled out the possibility of any major shift in short-, medium-and long-term development plans, saying the government will not disturb its Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2005-06, and beyond.
However, he hinted at some minor adjustments in the PSDP, observing that these adjustments to reallocate funds for some fast-moving projects are a routine matter and the same could be made this year as well to ensure timely disbursement to these projects of national importance.
Dr Akram Shaikh said, "The government is comfortable as far as the availability of funds for development programme is concerned and now unprecedented response of the donors for rebuilding has made the task easier for Pakistan."
The funds allocated to slow-moving projects could be diverted towards fast-paced ones to ensure their early completion but funds were being ensured for all the development projects, he added.
The Planning Commission deputy chairman said that all projects were going very well and sufficient funds were available to their executing agencies.
He said that October 8 earthquake will not affect the country''s development projects.
Dr Akram Shaikh said that donors impressive response have added to Pakistan''s resolve to go for its ambitious development plan, adding a high-level meeting chaired by President Musharraf had reviewed the situation arising out of the earthquake and decided to go ahead with its mega development projects according to the previous plan.
He said that the meeting was told that overwhelming response of the donors and pledges made by them at the recently held conference had made it possible for the government to ensure availability of funds and push forward its development plan.
The Planning Commission deputy chairman was confident that the government will have no paucity of funds for its mega projects.
He said that all mega projects were going very well and nothing will hinder the pace of their progress. In this regard he mentioned some of the key projects, including lining of major watercourses, Tarbella Dam Raising and various other power-generation projects.