Islamabad: A Senate panel, led by Senator Shahadat Awan, convened at the Parliament House to discuss the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) proposals for the fiscal year 2026-27 and address rising unemployment in the country.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives included participation from several senators, with some attending virtually. The panel reviewed the Ministry’s PSDP budgetary proposals, noting no new projects for the next fiscal year but highlighting 21 ongoing initiatives aimed at economic and youth development. A significant portion of the proposed budget is allocated for land acquisition for the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) and the construction of the Plan House.

Committee members expressed concerns over a research gap at PIDE and suggested enhancing the Economics Department at Quaid-i-Azam University. The absence of the Federal Minister for Planning was also noted, with an emphasis on the importance of ministerial presence for effective oversight.

The Committee was briefed on various PSDP initiatives, including projects focused on youth internships, post-flood reconstruction, and poverty alleviation in Pakistan’s poorest districts. Concerns were raised about taxation, regulatory hurdles, and the need for policy continuity to address unemployment, which has risen from 6.2% in 2020-21 to 7.1% in 2024-25.

The Committee plans to further discuss unemployment and economic growth strategies in future meetings, with recommendations expected to follow. A discussion on the impact of foreign companies exiting Pakistan was deferred.