ISLAMABAD: The Standing Committee on Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives convened at Parliament House to discuss legislative, policy, and development issues, including amendment bills and infrastructure projects, under the chairmanship of Syed Abdul Kadir Gilani, MNA. The meeting addressed the implementation of previous recommendations and reviewed significant adjustments to development allocations due to financial constraints, as reported by the Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives.

According to National Assembly of Pakistan: The Committee examined the Public Private Partnership Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and noted institutional developments concerning the transfer of functions to the Privatisation Division. They deferred ‘The General Statistics (Reorganization) (Amendment) Bill, 2025’ for further examination. Discussion also centered on the Federal Government’s takeover of the Rs. 465 billion Lahore-Bahawalnagar Motorway Project, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in public investments.

The Committee considered the status of infrastructure projects across the country, emphasizing timely implementation and community engagement. The Sub-Committee’s report, presented by Convener Syed Sami-ul-Hassan Gillani, MNA, was adopted, with directives for the Ministry to assist with issues related to the Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company Limited. The Committee reiterated their commitment to efficient resource utilization and equitable planning. Attendees included MNAs and the Minister of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, alongside senior ministry officials.