In a significant move to enhance transparency and citizen participation, the government has unveiled the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) portal, making data on ongoing and previous year projects accessible. The portal will display project details amounting to a substantial Rs 1.1 trillion.
Minister for Planning, Ahsan Iqbal, inaugurated the PSDP Portal during a ceremony held at the Planning Ministry. The event witnessed the presence of high-ranking officials including the Additional Secretary of the Planning Ministry, Members of the Planning Commission, Chairman of Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), and other stakeholders.
The PSDP plays a pivotal role as the federal development budget, shaping the government’s development agenda and determining sectoral and regional priorities within the national plan. With the launch of the PSDP Portal, the ministry aims to leverage digital technologies to promote transparency, improve governance, and raise public awareness of the government’s development plans and priorities.
According to a ministry statement, the digital platform empowers citizens by offering valuable insights into development projects taking place nationwide. It provides a comprehensive understanding of each project’s objectives, scope, and impact, fostering public engagement and participation.
Minister Ahsan Iqbal hailed this initiative as a groundbreaking milestone in the nation’s history, ensuring transparency in PSDP projects while directly engaging citizens through the portal. He stated, “This landmark step will help bridge the trust deficit that has persisted between the state and citizens in the past.”
The online portal features an interactive map interface, enabling users to visualize the geographical distribution of projects. Visitors can search for projects by location, access project profiles, and gain in-depth knowledge of development initiatives in specific areas.
The PSDP portal launch signifies a significant stride towards promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen-centric governance in Pakistan’s development projects.