ISLAMABAD: More than two billion rupees have been suggested for defence projects under the Public Sector Development Programme (2022-23) against the allocated funds of around Rs1.8 billion, as Pakistan unveils its budget in the lower house of parliament on Friday.

“As many as 407 million has been allocated for the new defence-related projects,” said the document issued by the planning ministry.

The focus of the development sector programme is “the revival” of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and related projects for inter-provincial and regional connectivity with equal importance to special economic zones to promote trade and create job opportunities.

“For conservation and augmentation of water resources, the allocation has been prioritized for large dams like Diamer Bhasha, Mohmand, Nai Gaj and fifth extension of Tarbella,” it said.

Salient features

• Federal PSDP: Rs800 billion
• Federal ministries and departments: Rs564 billion
• National Highway Authority: Rs118 billion
• Aviation: Rs2.48 billion
• Investment board: Rs800 million
• Cantonment Division: Rs70.05 billion
• Climate change ministry: Rs9.60 billion
• Federal education projects: Rs7.23 billion
• Provinces and special areas: Rs135.85 billion
• Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan: Rs52.640 billion
• Higher Education Commission: Rs44.170 billion
• Housing ministry: Rs13.950 billion
• Interior ministry: Rs9.90 billion
• Food production: Rs10.12 billion
• Health ministry: Rs12.650 billion
• Atomic energy commission: Rs25 billion
• Planning Division: Rs42 billion
• Railway Division: Rs32.640 billion
• Water resources: Rs99 billion
• Power Division: Rs43.130 billion

The government has planned to undertake some new initiatives under the PSDP 2022-23 to boost productivity. “A special development initiative for ‘20 Poorest Districts in Pakistan’ is being launched to meet the SDGs targets,” it said.