Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has emphasized that the federal and provincial governments should work hand-in-hand through matching grant basis, to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He was chairing a meeting here at Governor's House on Wednesday, to monitor progress on Prime Minister's Sustainable Development Goals Programme.
The sectoral SDG Programme for Pakistan includes electrification schemes, rehabilitation of electricity distribution infrastructure, gas and natural resources, new schools and up-gradation of existing schools with provision of facilities. It also includes construction of basic health units and regional health centres, up-gradation of existing health facilities, construction and rehabilitation of farm to market roads.
Punjab Governor Malik Muhammad Rafique Rajwana, Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique and senior officials were also present in the meeting.
The premier said that SDGs implementation will have a positive trickle-down effect on the masses for improving the livelihood. He further stated that we should coordinate effectively for implementation of SDG Programme. The PM lauded the excellent work undertaken by chief minister Punjab in leading development initiatives.
It may be noted that the Punjab government in collaboration with the international agencies has taken initiatives in the current fiscal year through the Punjab jobs & competitiveness programme, Skills development programmes, Punjab agriculture & rural transformation project, transformation of Irrigation department to water resource department, Punjab cultural and heritage tourism promotion project.
The sources said the Punjab government's initiatives are more aligned with the growth strategy objectives, and further enables the accomplishment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Among the pillars of growth strategy, employment generation and social development have been the prime focus of most schemes. Moreover, in the ADP 2016-17, an allocation of well above 80 percent of the total budget outlay broadly addresses 14 SDGs.
Among these goals, the highest allocations are for good health and well-being, and quality education. The substantial allocations to these sectors rebut the long-standing critique of development analysts on Pakistan for pursuing policies which promote growth without development and demonstrate the Government of Punjab's commitment to provide equal opportunities for all citizens.