ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal revealed on Thursday that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has established a judicial commission—led by a former judge—to investigate the Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project (NJHP) debacle, where the project remains non-operational despite cost overruns exceeding Rs500 billion.
Addressing a press conference alongside Planning Secretary Awais Manzoor Sumra, the minister stated that the commission has been tasked with identifying those responsible for negligence or corruption and initiating action accordingly.
🔍 NJHP: A mega-project gone wrong
The NJHP, once touted as a flagship hydropower project, has become embroiled in controversy after failing to become operational even after massive expenditures. Ahsan Iqbal disclosed that two internal committees — one chaired by him and another by Shahid Khan — were previously formed, but later merged. Their findings have now been submitted to the Prime Minister, leading to the formation of this high-powered judicial commission.
🎯 Record PSDP utilisation — Rs1.046 trillion spent
While announcing that Pakistan had achieved record development spending, Ahsan Iqbal celebrated the utilisation of Rs1.046 trillion under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) out of the revised allocation of Rs1.1 trillion for FY 2024–25. A cake-cutting ceremony was also held to mark the milestone.
Interestingly, only Rs593 billion had been spent during the first 11 months, with a massive jump recorded in June alone, primarily due to a rise in the foreign exchange component of development funding.
He assured that the development spending remained within fiscal limits agreed with the IMF, as the foreign-funded portion increased significantly—from Rs905 billion to Rs1.046 trillion.
📈 Project approvals, job creation, and Balochistan focus
Ahsan Iqbal said that 33 projects were approved by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) in June, and 19 major projects were forwarded to ECNEC for final approval. These projects are expected to create nearly 10,000 direct and over 47,000 indirect jobs.
He also highlighted a development shift towards Balochistan, where Rs210 billion has been allocated for 147 projects covering roads, housing, water, and education. Key infrastructure plans include:
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Karachi–Quetta–Chaman Highway
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M-8 Motorway
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Post-flood reconstruction programs
💬 No clear answer on Sindh’s funding
When asked about disproportionate development spending in Sindh, the minister cited full utilisation of funds by ministries like Water Resources, HEC, and Atomic Energy Commission, but did not address the Sindh-specific allocation question directly.
🏛️ Parliamentarians’ SDGs Programme
On the SDGs Achievement Programme (SAP) for lawmakers, he stated that Rs62 billion was utilised out of the allocated Rs75 billion, adding that better scrutiny saved Rs1 billion in June alone.
