Current Affairs

Upward trajectory of economy affected by Covid-19 pandemic: NEC

Islamabad: The upward trajectory of the economy was severely affected by Covid-19 pandemic, the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting observed.

The meeting, which was held under the chair of Prime Minister Imran Khan, reviewed the state of economy during current FY 2019-20 and the outlook for FY 2020-21.

The meeting appreciated the steps taken by the government for the revival of the economy, especially protecting the poor segments of society from the adverse impacts of lockdown.

The meeting approved GDP growth target along with sectoral growth projections of agriculture, industry and services for FY 2020-21. Macroeconomic Framework for proposed Annual Plan 2020-21 was also approved by the NEC.

The meeting also reviewed the Public Sector Development Program for FY 2019-20 and the proposed development outlay for FY 2020-21.

It was informed in the meeting that this is the first time that PSDP includes only those projects that have already been approved by the relevant forums which is strictly in accordance with the best practices of planning. This will ensure fast implementation of the PSDP projects and optimum utilization will be ensured leading to economic growth.

The initiatives include among others enhancing the sanctioning powers of Departmental Development Working Party (DDWP) from Rs 60 million to Rs 2 billion, Central Development Working Party (CDWP) from Rs3 billion to Rs10 billion and ECNEC above Rs10 billion, quarterly authorizations without originating demand, real-time information on expenditures through SAP system and establishment of Public Private Partnership Authorities to facilitate involvement of private sector in complementing the development process.

 The meeting was informed that 149 projects costing Rs 827 billion would complete /expected to complete by 30th June, 2020.

The Prime Minister stated that in wake of the corona pandemic, the government was prioritizing those sectors which promised job opportunities to the youth, agriculture sector and up-gradation of the public health system in the country.

Imran Khan emphasized upon the need for ensuring close and seamless coordination between the federal and provincial governments during finalization and implementation of the development projects.

The PM also underscored the need for employing technology to monitor the progress of the ongoing projects. In this context, the Prime Minister stressed upon the need for ensuring public participation in the development process through provision of real-time information and getting their feedback on implementation status of the projects.

gin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;line-height:150%’>The survey adds around 32 million parents appreciate the Tele-school Initiative by the Ministry of Education and PTV followed by 36 percent who mentioned social media.

Nearly two in five Pakistanis [42 percent] claim to know about the Tele-school initiative and nearly one in three Pakistanis (31%) claim that they or their children have seen the Tele-school transmission.

A highest proportion of respondents from Punjab (42%) claim the same.  Nearly two in five Pakistanis (42%) claim to know about the Tele-school initiative.

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