Islamabad: In a significant development, the transfer of ongoing Public Works Department (PWD) projects to provincial governments has been expedited. This decision was made during a meeting led by Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal. The move aims to ensure that development continues seamlessly across various regions without any disruptions.
According to Press Information Department, the meeting involved the Secretary of Planning and senior officials from different provinces. It was unanimously agreed that Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) projects, formerly managed by the now-dissolved PWD, would be handed over to provincial authorities promptly. Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that while the projects are shifting to provincial oversight, the funding from PSDP will remain intact. He directed the provinces to submit details within a week regarding the ministries to which these projects will be transferred.
The transfer process includes PWD projects in the federal capital, which are set to be moved to the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and relevant ministries. Iqbal clarified that these projects are not being terminated but are merely shifting administrative hands to ensure their continuation and completion under provincial management.
Highlighting the progress of the provinces, Iqbal lauded Balochistan for being the first to complete the necessary preparations for this transition. He urged other provinces to expedite providing their project details. To facilitate the transfer, projects will be divided with each district’s Deputy Commissioner acting as the focal point. These commissioners will collaborate with PWD and relevant departments to finalize all agreements swiftly, within four to five days. Additionally, No Objection Certificates (NOCs) will be secured from contractors to confirm their agreement to the change of sponsoring agency.
This strategic shift is expected to enhance the efficiency of project completion and deliver benefits to the public more effectively, as affirmed by Minister Ahsan Iqbal.