Ayesha Saba

A comprehensive first-quarter review of the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2025-26 found that 313 development projects are expected to be completed during the current fiscal year, according to the Monthly Development Update – December 2025 released by the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives.

The report states that the Ministry conducted a detailed monitoring and evaluation review from November 10 to 12, 2025 to assess financial and physical progress of ongoing development projects. The exercise examined progress across multiple sectors and implementing agencies, focusing on utilisation trends, execution performance and sector-wise achievements.

According to the update, ministries and divisions reported that Rs90 billion had been utilised during the first quarter of the fiscal year. The Ministry notes that expenditure patterns were reviewed to ensure alignment between released funds and actual progress, with an emphasis on identifying gaps that could affect project timelines.

The report states that 20 projects were monitored in November, exceeding the target of 20 by achieving 21 completed monitoring assessments. In addition, four projects were evaluated against a target of five. The Ministry highlights that monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities play a central role in safeguarding public resources, strengthening transparency and ensuring delivery of intended development outcomes.

The document notes that M&E efforts help identify deviations, delays or implementation weaknesses at an early stage, enabling the Ministry to recommend timely corrective measures. These reviews support better resource utilisation, improved planning and more efficient execution across the PSDP portfolio.

According to the Ministry, the first-quarter review identified the importance of prioritising fast-moving schemes to maximise development impact within the available fiscal space. Implementing agencies were advised to focus on ensuring timely allocation of funds, accelerating physical progress and improving coordination among stakeholders to avoid project delays.

The report further states that the Ministry’s strengthened M&E system facilitates evidence-based decision-making, supports project recalibration when required and ensures enhanced oversight of development spending. The review exercise also examined capacity constraints, implementation challenges and financial bottlenecks affecting various projects.

The update highlights that the projection of 313 projects expected to be completed during FY26 reflects ongoing progress across multiple development sectors. The Ministry notes that achieving these completions will contribute to improved service delivery, infrastructure expansion and strengthened development outcomes across federal and provincial jurisdictions.

According to the report, continued monitoring throughout the fiscal year will support better planning, improved utilisation of development funds and stronger institutional capacity to deliver on Pakistan’s development priorities.

Credit: INP-WealthPk