By Moaaz Manzoor

Development projects approved and recommended during February 2026 are expected to generate 18,336 direct jobs and around 7,320 indirect employment opportunities in Pakistan over the medium term, according to the Monthly Development Update released by the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives.

The report highlights employment generation as an important outcome of public investment projects being implemented under the country’s development program.

According to the report, employment generation through public investment remains a key government priority as it supports inclusive growth and contributes to improved livelihoods across the country.

The report notes that development spending is intended to translate into tangible socio-economic benefits for the population by supporting employment opportunities in different sectors of the economy.

During February 2026, development projects approved and recommended through the planning process were expected to drive notable employment gains.

According to the Planning Ministry’s report, the projects include 438 positions created specifically for project execution, covering the operational and administrative roles required during their implementation.

In addition to these project execution positions, the broader employment impact of the development initiatives was assessed through a detailed review of the PC-I documents associated with the projects.

Based on this assessment, the projects are expected to generate approximately 18,336 direct employment opportunities over the medium term.

The report further notes that the projects are projected to create around 7,320 indirect jobs across various sectors of the economy.

Indirect employment opportunities are expected to arise from economic activities associated with the implementation of development projects, including demand for materials, services and other related economic inputs.

The Planning Ministry’s update states that public investment plays an important role in generating employment opportunities as development spending supports economic activity and contributes to job creation across different sectors.

The report presents employment generation as one of the outcomes associated with development initiatives being implemented under the federal development program.

According to the Monthly Development Update, the approved and recommended development projects are expected to contribute to employment generation over the medium term while supporting broader economic activity in the country.

Credit: INP-WealthPk