Ahsan Iqbal calls for timely completion of stalled education projects

ISLAMABAD: A review meeting on the Public Sector Development Programme 2024-25 was held in Islamabad today with Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal in the chair.

During the meeting, third-quarter utilization, proposed projects, and future allocations for PSDP 2025-26 were assessed.

The minister directed the economic section to evaluate fund utilization, provide an update on block allocations, and submit a status report on the fourth-quarter release.

Ahsan Iqbal highlighted that addressing energy challenges in Gilgit-Baltistan remains a critical priority and directed that projects aimed at resolving this issue be given due focus.

He directed to prioritise national level initiatives and strategic initiatives for the upcoming PSDP and block budgets for these for each province and federating unit.

In the education sector, the minister stressed the need to review stalled projects and initiatives aimed at out-of-school children, ensuring timely intervention.

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Meanwhile, Ahsan Iqbal has emphasized the urgent need to address the shortage of skilled professionals in technical ministries, underscoring the importance of human resource development in key sectors.

Presiding over a meeting on civil services reforms in Islamabad, he highlighted the critical need for technical personnel equipped with modern skills to meet the challenges of today’s evolving landscape.

The minister called for the creation of new cadres based on skills and advocated for the adoption of modern technology to ensure more effective and data-driven decision-making.