Dr. Shamshad Akhtar examined the federal portfolio of projects funded by the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank. During her opening remarks, the minister emphasized the pivotal role these projects play in Pakistan’s socioeconomic development, providing access to job markets and fostering economic mobility to alleviate poverty.
The purpose of the portfolio review, as outlined by Dr. Akhtar, is to address implementation bottlenecks and ensure the achievement of disbursement targets for the current fiscal year. The minister shared insights into both successful and challenging projects, including initiatives such as post-2022 flood infrastructure restoration, border crossing point improvements, digital payments accessibility, housing finance, tax base broadening, adaptive social protection, and higher education sector development.
Expressing concern over project delays, Dr. Akhtar pledged to bring these issues to the attention of the Prime Minister’s Office and provincial governments, seeking their support to expedite project completion. Furthermore, she appealed to donors for their expertise and technical assistance to ensure the timely implementation of projects crucial to Pakistan’s socioeconomic development.
In an effort to highlight the significance of these projects, the article aims to underscore their positive impact on the nation’s development and acknowledge the challenges that need collaborative attention for successful execution. The meeting not only emphasizes the commitment of the federal government to address implementation hurdles but also seeks support from various stakeholders to ensure the timely completion of these vital initiatives.