Govt Utilized Just Over Rs. 1 Trillion Development Funds in FY25: Planning Minister

Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday revealed that for the first time ever, Rs. 1,046 billion (96%) of the PSDP for FY2024–25 had been utilized.

This utilization is driving inclusive growth through targeted investments in exports, innovation, and human development. The PSDP, which was limited to Rs. 754 billion last year, is now back on the path of growth, said Ahsan Iqbal

He noted that GDP growth is on an upward trajectory, inflation has eased, and both fiscal and external sector stability have been achieved.

Sharing the economic progress, Ahsan Iqbal said that remittances surpassed $38 billion, registering a 27 percent increase in one year. This sharp rise reflects the growing trust of overseas Pakistanis in the government’s economic management.

He further noted that Pakistan Stock Exchange recorded a 65 percent increase in FY2024–25, placing it among the world’s best-performing markets. This remarkable surge reflects strong investor confidence in Pakistan’s economic recovery.

On the development front, Ahsan Iqbal shared that 33 projects were approved by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) in June 2025, while 19 major projects were recommended to ECNEC. These initiatives are expected to create approximately 9,968 direct and 47,174 indirect jobs in the coming months.

“In the month of June, 33 development projects were approved through the Central Development Working Party (CDWP),” said Ahsan Iqbal. “Due to improved scrutiny and evaluation of projects, Rs. 1 billion in savings was achieved during June,” he added

In the current fiscal year, top priority has been given to development projects in Balochistan, with Rs. 210 billion allocated for 147 initiatives,” said Ahsan Iqbal.”

The launch of infrastructure projects in Balochistan will help stimulate the province’s economy, drive development, and create employment opportunities. Focus sectors include roads, water, housing, and education, with key projects like the Karachi–Quetta–Chaman Highway, M-8 Motorway, and post-flood reconstruction initiatives he added.

A major digital connectivity project worth Rs. 2,150 million is underway in 30 cities of AJK and GB. The initiative is transforming lives by expanding access to education, healthcare, tourism, and business opportunities in these remote areas.

Regarding monitoring and evaluation, the Ministry exceeded its target by covering 261 projects in FY2024–25 against a goal of 240. In June 2025 alone, 20 mega projects were monitored and five evaluated, reinforcing transparency and impact-driven planning.

Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves rose by 26 percent year-on-year, demonstrating significant improvement in external account management and signaling growing economic stability.

Inflation dropped to a nine-year low of 4.5 percent in FY2025, compared to 23.4 percent last year, due to effective administrative, policy, and relief measures. Pakistan’s passport ranking also improved significantly, moving from 113th in 2021 to 100th in 2025, indicating growing international trust and greater global mobility for Pakistani citizens.

The Minister highlighted that fuel prices have shown a declining trend since the new government took office. As of July 1, 2025, petrol is priced at Rs. 266.8 per litre (down 5 percent from March 2024), while diesel is at Rs. 273.0 per litre (down 5.1 percent).

He added that electricity tariffs have also dropped considerably, with an overall 35 percent decrease. Notably, the 51–100 units slab saw a 69 percent reduction, and the 101–300 units slab saw a 39 percent decrease, offering much-needed relief to the public.

On the international front, Ahsan Iqbal said the world has witnessed Pakistan’s progress under the URAAN Pakistan initiative, covering economic recovery, defense, and diplomacy. He stated that Operation Bunyān-ul-Marsūs helped Pakistan reaffirm its defense superiority in the region, and Pakistan’s principled stance on the Pahalgam attack and Iran–Israel tensions was widely acknowledged at the global level.

He said the world rejected India’s false narrative while supporting Pakistan’s position, marking a major diplomatic victory. On the issue of India’s water aggression, Pakistan gained international backing through effective diplomacy. Iran’s Parliament also appreciated Pakistan’s consistent and principled position during recent regional tensions.

The Minister praised Field Marshal General Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for their exceptional contributions to strengthening Pakistan’s defense sector, calling their leadership a matter of national pride.

Highlighting youth engagement, Ahsan Iqbal announced the successful launch of the URAAN Overseas Summer Internship Programme, under which 31 Pakistani students from top international universities have come to Pakistan for a six-week internship. “We received 2,300 applications, and after a rigorous merit-based selection process, 31 outstanding young scholars were chosen,” he stated. “They are here to contribute to national development and represent the bright future of Pakistan.”

The Minister emphasized that the Ministry of Planning is committed to transparency and evidence-based policymaking. As part of this effort, the Ministry is regularly releasing Monthly Development Updates to highlight major economic trends backed by credible data.

In conclusion, Ahsan Iqbal said that Pakistan’s macroeconomic stability and development momentum reflect national resilience and growing optimism. With a clear focus on high-impact, equitable, and sustainable initiatives aligned with URAAN Pakistan, the government is turning challenges into opportunities to promote inclusive, export-led growth.