The government has decided not to include any unapproved project in next Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) unless the land is procured for the project.

This was stated by the Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform, Asad Umar while briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Planning and Development which met with Senator Agha Shahzaib Durrani in the chair here on Thursday.

In future no project will be included in the PSDP till the land is purchased for it, Umar informed the panel which took up various issues related to Nae Gaj Dam, ML-I, and toll tax on Motorway and GT Road.

In addition to new projects, he stressed the need for maintenance of GT Road. The need to improve fencing on motorways and increase in surveillance was also emphasized. Issues which were taken up include designing and upgrading of ML-1 and establishment of a dry port near Havelian. A detailed briefing on increase in toll tax was also given.

Umar said that in future it will be made clear in advance whether the project will be funded by the federal government or the concerned province. "We have seen the fate of Karachi Green Line and other projects," he added.

The meeting was attended by Senator Dr Asad Ashraf, Senator Gianchand and senior officers from the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform and Ministry of Communications along with all the concerned. The representatives of the National Highway Authority (NHA, Higher Education Commission (HEC), Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and Pakistan Railways also attended the meeting. Minister for Planning Development and Reform Asad Umar was present.

While discussing compliance on various recommendations, progress on Nai Gaj Dam came under discussion. It was revealed that action had been taken by WAPDA and a reminder had been sent for compliance. The committee decided that an exclusive meeting would be held on this issue and that a response from the Department of Irrigation, government of Sindh, must be sought within a week.

While taking up the issue of 300 scholarships in less-developed areas for female students, the committee was informed that a proposal had been made. However, a programme in conjunction with the Ehsas Programme is being launched that is planning to award 50,000 scholarships, this is way more than the previously suggested quantum.

The HEC recommended that the committee should wait until this programme is launched and once a report is submitted, if it fails to convince the members, 300 scholarships, mentioned earlier, will be added as per committee recommendations. The committee was informed that 25,000 scholarships have been allocated for less-developed areas.

Discussing the issue of special seats for students of erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Balochistan, the committee was informed that Pakistan Medical Council would be able to address this query in a better way.

Umar assured the committee that he will take up the issue with Advisor Health Dr Zafar Mirza. He said that this matter could be taken up with the Council of Common Interests (CCI) as well. The matter will be referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Less Developed Areas.

Discussing design, drawings and upgrade of Main Line (ML-1) and establishment of dry port near Havelian, the committee was informed that this project will generate jobs and revenue. It will also increase line speed and capacity and freight volume. The committee directed that traffic count of M1, M2 and M9 must be submitted to the committee within a week. Keeping account of traffic congestion, it was recommended that a traffic strategy must be formulated as well.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019