Ministry of Planning

Development & Special Initiatives

Government of Pakistan

TO ADDRESS
PAKISTAN’S IMMINENT
SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHALLENGES

Exports
Enterprise(s) &
Employment

Equity
Education-Health E-Pakistan &
Population Empowerment
Empowering Youth,
Women & Others

Energy
Affordable Environment
& Efficient Water & Food
Security
FOREWORD
When present government came into office on 11th April, 2022, it found that Pakistan currently faces several
socioeconomic challenges that required a holistic and coordinated effort for effective resolution. A Turn
Around Pakistan Summit was held on 28th June, 2022, in which more than 1,000 senior leaders from busi-
ness, academia, government and overseas pakistanis participated. After extensive consultations with public
and private stakeholders. During the Turnaround Conference 2022, the Ministry of Planning, Development
and Special Initiatives, under the leadership of Minister Ahsan Iqbal, came up with a 5Es framework to combat
Pakistan’s socioeconomic issues in the short and medium term and provide a strong and stable platform for
achieving long term goals of Vision 2035 and Vision 2047.
The Framework encompasses initiatives and multiple pronged strategies for addressing the overall challeng-
es to Pakistan’s socio-economic spectrum within short to medium timeframe.

Under this framework, key initiatives will be along the lines of the following 5 Es of development: Exports,
Equity, E-Pakistan, Environment, Energy and Equity. The rationale behind each component of the framework is
given below.

1. Exports: Increasing exports will provide Pakistan economic stability and much-needed resources to
execute development projects. Therefore, the first E addresses the issue of exports promotion with different
initiatives in various sectors like; Manufacturing, Mineral, Investment, Commerce and SMEs by building
competitive enterprises and generation employment.

2. E-Pakistan and Empowering Youth and Woman: Inclusive development empowering our populations’
high potential yet marginalized groups such as women and youth will unlock Pakistan’s true potential for
growth and prosperity. Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives’s initiatives like the
Ba-Ikhtiar Naujawan Internships for graduates will help 60,000 youths gain employment and get one step
closer to playing their much-needed role in Pakistan’s long-term prosperity.

3. Environment: In the wake of modern climate change afflicted world, climate readiness is essential for the
survival of Pakistan, which is among top ten most vulnerable countries in the world. Thus, the framework
focuses on providing institutional, legal and policy objectives for minimizing the impacts of climate
change on Pakistanis’ lives and livelihoods through 4RF strategies and by addressing key areas like water
and food securities.

4. Energy and Infrastructure: Availability of efficient energy and supporting infrastructure is a prerequisite
for modern economic and social development. Under the 5Es framework, increasing Pakistan’s efficient
and green energy production and building infrastructure for affordable energy will be a key priority area.

5. Equity: Equitable access to services such as health and education, and economic opportunities will yield
a just and harmonious society. Hence, the framework puts special emphasis on providing equitable
access to marginalized groups via affirmative action as and where necessary. In particular, efforts are
being made for the socioeconomic uplift of the 20 poorest districts across the country which are in dire
need of such assistance.
This comprehensive, all-encompassing framework will act as the North Star for Pakistan’s socioeconomic
development, leading Pakistan in the direction of long-term prosperity.
MESSAGE BY
THE PRIME MINISTER
I am very glad to see that the 5E Frame-
work formulated by Ministry of Planning
Development and Special Initiatives based
on the recommendations of Turnaround
Conference held in June 2022, to address
Pakistan's socioeconomic challenges. The
5E Framework is an essential roadmap
that outlines our short to mid-term strategy
for achieving sustainable development
and growth in the coming years. With a
rapidly growing population, Pakistan needs
to create more jobs, provide affordable
energy, protect the environment, improve
access to education, and promote equity.
The challenges to Pakistan cannot be
solved in isolation; they require a compre-
hensive and integrated approach that con-
siders the interconnectedness of these
issues. I strongly believe and expect that
the initiatives and interventions proposed
in this framework will be instrumental to
improve the socio-economics of the coun-
try. This framework will not only assist us in
overcoming the current challenges, but it
will also help to enhance everyone's basic
standard of living.
I would like to appreciate Prof. Ahsan Iqbal,
Federal Minister for Planning, Develop-
ment and Special Initiatives and his team
at Planning Commission for this excellent
effort.
Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif
Prime Minister
Islamic Republic of Pakistan
MESSAGE BY
THE MINISTER
Planning Development & Special Initatives
Pakistan is passing through a very uncer-
tain time, like never witnessed before. The
country is struggling to revive its economy
besides restoring political stability. These
unprecedented circumstances are likely to
cast shadows on the country's future
growth and development trajectory.
When we resumed the government on
19th April 2022, sadly country was being
run without any development framework.
Vision 2025 was discarded during the last
regime. The draft of 12th Five Year Plan,
which was duly endorsed by the National
Economic Council (NEC) in May 2018, was
also overlooked despite having clear
instructions by NEC that the coming Gov-
ernment may tweak this plan keeping in
view its manifesto.
As the Minister for Planning, Development
and Special Initiatives; it is was my utmost
priority to ensure that we have a roadmap
that leads us towards a prosperous future.
Therefore, Turnaround Pakistan Conference
was convened on 28 June 2022. Experts
from all walks of life, line ministries, provin-
cial governments and civil society organi-
zations were invited to discuss the immi-
nent challenges to the economy of Paki-
stan and their way forward. This collective
wisdom helped us to develop 5E frame-
work. The 5E framework defines our short
to medium-term strategy to achieve eco-
nomic growth, social development, and
environmental sustainability in the coming
years and will provide a solid platform from
which the nation can take a great plunge
to achieve goals of visions 2035 and
2047.
Furthermore, I would like to appreciate my
whole team at Planning Commission, par-
ticularly Chief Economist, Dr. Nadeem
Javaid for finalizing this document.
Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary
Minister for Planning, Development
and Special Initiatives
 Exports
Enterprise(s) &
Employment

Equity
Education-Health E-Pakistan &
Population Empowerment
Empowering Youth,
Women & Others

Energy
Affordable Environment
& Efficient Water & Food
Security
 INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND 07
EXPORTS
ENTERPRISE(s) AND EMPLOYMENT 10
CONTENTS

E-PAKISTAN AND EMPOWERMENT

EMPOWERING YOUTH, WOMEN AND OTHERS 28
ENVIRONMENT
WATER AND FOOD SECURITY 60
ENERGY
AFFORDABLE AND EFFICIENT 76
EQUITY
EDUCATION, HEALTH, POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF LEAST-DEVELOPED REGIONS 85
IMPLEMENTATION FRAME-WORK ON 5Es
MODUS OPERANDI (MO) IMPLENTATION FRAME-WORK FOR 5-Es 103
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND
The Turnaround Pakistan Conference (TAPC) was successfully concluded at Islamabad on 28th June
2022. The Conference was attended by more than 700 participants including prominent public sector
departments, provincial governments, other key players from national, international private sector
entrepreneurs, foreign missions, international development partners, financial institutions, independ-
ent experts etc. It also included political parties, federal ministries, academia, think tanks, NGOs,
parliamentarians, other parts of civil society and different key stakeholders from all walks of life.

THE 7 PILLARS
The Conference encompassed seven diverse pillars which are the key drivers and
enablers of growth as envisaged in Vision 2025 under which 35 Sub-Thematic
Working Groups were defined which covered areas like; development of human
and social capital; achieving sustainable and inclusive growth; focused institu-
tional reforms and improving governance; improving national food security etc.
The thematic groups were categorized into 7 pillars, each pillar focusing on sev-
eral key development areas.

Achieving Sustainable, Indigenous and Inclusive Growth: This thematic group focused on
export led growth, resource mobilization, blue economy, maritime sector development, urban devel-
opment, arts and culture, and sports.

Energy, Water and Food Security: This pillar deliberated on key sectors of economy which include
power sector, oil & gas, water resource management, agriculture productivity, competitiveness
enhancement, milk and meat productivity enhancement, and tackling malnutrition and stunting.

Institutional Reform and Democratic Governance: The thematic groups under this pillar high-
lighted challenges being faced by Pakistan in the areas of Civil Service Reforms, Police & Criminal
Justice System Reforms and State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs).
Putting People First: Developing human and social capital, and various other important aspects
of human resource development were discussed and deliberated upon such as health, education,
population, manpower development, gender, social protections and national cohesion.

Private Sector-Led Growth: Thematic groups under this mainly discussed areas such as creation
of business-friendly environment, digital economy/IT, exports, start-ups, role of science technology
and innovations, small and medium enterprises, cluster-based development & value chain gap
improvements to enhance export led growth for investment & growth.
Improving National Competitiveness: This pillar conducted in depth discussion of possible
measures to be taken for improving competitiveness through enhanced productivity, innovation, and
quality, augmenting exports & made in Pakistan by developing global brands and reforming higher
education in the country.
8
 Modernization of Transportation Infrastructure and Greater Regional Connectivity: The
thematic groups under this pillar deliberated on regional connectivity via rail, road, CPEC and
telecommunication.

The Conference offered an opportunity to provide a short to medium-term framework to support the
country in formulating a coordinated set of policies to deal with its immediate economic crises and
enable the economy to work at its full potential by untapping the hidden resources so that to ensure
a better living for the people of Pakistan. Based on recommendations given by these thematic working
groups, a framework for addressing Pakistan’s socio-economic challenges has been prepared which
focuses on the key 5-E areas, namely Exports, Empowerment and E-Pakistan, Equity, Environment &
Climate Change, and Energy & Infrastructure. The document ahead will expand on the government’s
vision for development in these key socioeconomic areas.

VISION 2025
(7+5 Framework)

ke

Muhammad Ali Jinnah, 11th August, 1947

9
 EXPORTS
Enterprise(s) and Employment
INTRODUCTION
Pakistan’s previous approach to maintaining current account balance via import substitution has led
to repeated cycles of crashes. To keep the economy growing on a stable path, the country needs to
move towards an export-led turnaround leading to economic growth, like the East Asian Tigers. To
achieve this goal, the government has launched several initiatives along the following objectives –
increasing productivity, product and market diversification and brand development, SME development
and nurturing local endowments, and fostering an enabling business environment.

SITUATION ANALYSIS
Pakistan has historically followed import-based, consumption led economic growth with the result
that its reserves have always found it hard to shore up foreign currency liquidity to pay for imports.
Consequently, Pakistan has had to take on foreign currency, budgetary support loans and deposits to
finance its foreign currency needs. While this approach, over the past few decades or so, has man-
aged to keep the country afloat, foreign loans and deposits themselves have a repayment burden to
address, which exacerbates the predicament upon the commencement of loan debt servicing and
repayment. Exports, Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) and remittances are three key avenues which
cradle the solution to the country’s economic woes, with exports a standout amongst these which can
help address concerns. Pakistan’s turnaround efforts and subsequently growth model must be reori-
ented while ensuring imports are directed toward more productive avenues. Imports of industrial raw
materials and intermediate goods ought to feed into production for export. Locally produced agricul-
tural products can specifically save precious foreign exchange and help earn export revenues. This
overarching policy direction can lead toward export-led growth in order to tackle the chronic
boom-and-bust cycles, provide a stable macro-economic environment which will, in turn, cultivate an
environment amenable for FDI.

Last few decades have seen the rise of

globalization, with manufacturing moving to
developing countries. This has led to an eco-
nomic integration of a number of countries
Foreign Direct
into the global supply and value chains. Exports Investments
Countries who have benefitted from econom- (FDI)

ic and manufacturing globalization have

increasingly become more export-oriented,
which has also meant that they must remain Remittances

competitive at world stage. To maintain, and

to further improve international integration
into supply and value chains, emphasis has
been laid on productivity combined with Three key avenues
quality, innovation and knowledge creation which cradle the solution
leading to strong competitive advantages, a to the country’s economic woes
prerequisite to remain relevant globally.

11
In the case of Pakistan, absolute exports have been largely range bound in the last 10 years, even
decreased in some years. As depicted in the comparative table below, Pakistan’s absolute exports
have remained largely stagnant in comparison to some of its regional peers, many of whom have
shown growth over the period.

Exports of goods and services (current US$)

700
600
500
US$ Billions

400
300
200
100
-
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

Pakistan Bangladesh Vietnam India Malaysia Indonesia

93.3

Export to GDP Ratio (%) Pakistan Exports (Billion $)

31.8
74.5

1990 2021
68.8

25.3
25.1
24.5

23.7

23.2

22.9

21.4
20.8

20.4
36.0
27.3
21.6
21.4
14.8

10.7
9.1

7.1
5.9

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

Further, Pakistan has by far the lowest Export-to-GDP ratio amongst regional competitors. Not only
does Pakistan fare poorly amongst regional countries, but its own relative performance depicts a
strong declining trend with the ratio losing almost six percentage points over the last 30 years. The
situation clearly suggests that without a sincere attempt at course correction to turnaround the econ-
omy toward export-led growth, boom-bust predicament will continue to prevail with the country
remaining marred in its usual dismal economic performance.
Another area where Pakistan needs to lay more
emphasis in order to augment its exports is
productivity. As per global research results, 60
percent of countries that had Total Factor
Productivity (TFP) growth of more than 3
percent grew at 8 percent or more. On the other
hand, lower TFP growth rates were associated
with lower GDP growth rates. In the case of Paki-
stan as depicted in the figure, average TFP
12
growth has averaged 1.5 percent. To improve production and consequently exports, Pakistan must
improve its productive capacities, productivity and technological capabilities.

Similar trends are witnessed when it comes

to investing in the economy, key ingredient
for economic growth. During the last 3 dec-
ades, Pakistan's Investment-to-GDP ratio has
declined whereas other regional countries'
ratios largely increased exponentially. While
there may be myriad reasons for the decline,
one of the salient ones is how doing busi-
ness has been becoming increasingly diffi-
cult over the past decades, resulting in lack
of investment in the economy.
As far as Pakistan’s major exports are concerned, majority of the country’s exports remain concen-
trated within the textile sector. While textiles have supported the external sector’s flows well, there is
a need to nurture new avenues of export growth which should include utilizing local endowments.
Therefore, there is a need to develop new avenues of exportable products which can diversify export
proceeds, give access to additional markets and provide a more sustainable approach to export-led
growth as the country gets more assimilated with international markets and global business risks. The
economy could also benefit from better market access, especially in large global markets for Paki-
stani products where there appears to be a comparative advantage.

At present Pakistan’s exports are COMPOSTION OF EXPORT BASKET (2022)

confined to a few major destina-
tions such as US, EU, UK, and China, Animal
Products
Chemical Industries
2%
which together account for almost 2%

60 percent of Pakistan’s exports. At Mineral Products

3%
Other
8%
the same time, Pakistan’s share in Raw Hides and Skins
3%
China’s total US$ 2.7 trillion per Foodstuffs
3%
annum imports is a paltry 0.1 Articles of Base
Metal
percent despite enhancement in 5%
Vegetable
Textile Articles
61%

market access under the China-Pa- Products

12%
kistan Free Trade Agreement. There
is a dire need to improve Pakistan’s
share in such markets.
Moreover, while Large Scale Manufacturing (LSM) sectors have played their part in augmenting
exports, the SME sector remains a key driver for not only exports but also employment generation. In
most countries, SMEs constitute more than 90% of all enterprises and significantly contribute toward
economic growth. Nations all over the world assign great importance to this sector for the purpose of
stimulating economic growth. Besides, most of the high-income nations acknowledge the impor-
tance of the SME sector in supporting their economies.

As such, growth in the SME sector contributes directly and substantially to the overall economic
growth. In the case of Pakistan as well, majority of the manufacturing and business activity takes
13
place in this sector, which also consti-
tutes nearly 90% of all enterprises and Key Highlights of SMEs
employs around 72% of the non-agri- Total Number of SMEs Over 5.2 million
cultural labor force. The share of SMEs
in GDP is approximately 40% with an Percentage of Non-agricultural 72%
estimated 25% contribution to overall Labour force employed by SMEs
exports. Arguably, the SME sector is a Contribution to GDP 40%
key cog in the country’s economy; with-
out its development and increased Contribution to Exports 25%
contribution to exports, it would be an Source: SMEDA

uphill task to achieve turnaround from import-based economy to export-led orientation and growth.
Strategies for industrial expansion ought to be in sync with export development strategies, however,
such linkages still have substantial room to develop for an optimal outcome.

STRATEGIC VISION AND PRIORITIES

The Government of Pakistan (GoP) will endeavor to focus and deliver on a number of specific and
salient areas to address the country’s economic concerns. Increasing exports is a multisectoral
process. The government aims to form an ecosystem that removes multiple restrictions to achieving
the vision of exports led growth of Pakistan. To this end, the government’s key initiatives will be in line
with the following priorities:

Augmenting Productivity
1
Product, Market Diversification, Trade
Faciliation and Brand Development 2
PRIORITIES
Enabling and Conducive Business
Environment 3
SME Developemt and Nurturing
Local Endowments 4
1. AUGMENTING PRODUCTIVITY
With global evidence in perspective, it becomes a case of urgency to address productivity issues
across public and private domains to unlock the country’s export potential and transition toward
higher export-oriented GDP growth.

2. PRODUCT, MARKET DIVERSIFICATION, TRADE FACILIATION & BRAND DEVELOPMENT

By leveraging strategic location, close proximity and excellent diplomatic relations, exports can get
a major boom by analyzing and consequently negotiating better market access for Pakistani prod-
ucts for an improved wallet share. Focus will be to facilitate “Made in Pakistan” and help Pakistani
companies and products develop into brands for augmented value proposition for the same
exportable surplus. Simultaneously, targeted sectoral strategies and interventions for the Agricul-
ture, Industry, Services will be developed to help diversify Pakistan’s product share that will subse-
quently lead to an increase in exports.
14
3. ENABLING AND CONDUCIVE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
The government will address enterprises’ concerns both at the regulatory and operational levels,
help facilitate businesses and reduce hindrances in achieving efficiency in business-related oper-
ations.
4. SME DEVELOPEMT AND NURTURING LOCAL ENDOWMENTS
The Government intends to facilitate the SME sector get plugged into the local export supply and
global value chains. One of the most effective tools to address this objective will be through cluster
development of certain sectors with high export potential. Further, issues relating to access to
credit and inclusiveness will also be addressed. Priority of the government will be to nurture sectors
with not only high export potential but which represent local endowments as well, be they capacity,
developed supply chains, knowledge or natural resources.

FLAGSHIP INITIATIVES
01 04
National Productivity Pakistan Regulatory
Master Plan Reforms Initiative

02 05
Market Diversification and Doing Business Facilitation:
Chambers Of Commerce and
Regional Connectivity
INITIATIVE(S) Industry, Exporters and Top Brands

03 06
Product Development and SME Development and
Trade Facilitation Nurturing Local Endowments

01 NATIONAL PRODUCTIVITY MASTER PLAN

Productivity is one of the key building blocks of competitive- Enhan
cin
ness. The GoP is aware of its importance and will deliver a t i o n g
Na
a
major intervention through the introduction of National
tio
rm

na
fo

l In

Productivity Master Plan (NPMP). The Plan, which is in its final NATIONAL
u s t r y Tra n s

f ra s t r t u re

stages of development, has been developed with the assis- PRODUCTIVITY

uc

tance of Asian Productivity Organization (APO) and Korean MASTER PLAN

(NPMP)
Ind

Development Institute (KDI). Under NPMP, a three-pronged stra-

tegic approach has been adopted with specific recommenda-
Re

nv
i

ig

tions and interventions to be implemented across public and

t o ra
en ting
G ov e r n m

private sector spheres. In order to achieve consistency and

and harmonization of policies, there will be a clear interface of the sectoral industrial policies
with the export related initiatives contained in the Strategic Trade Policy Framework (STPF) 2020
– 2025. This will result in much needed synchronization of efforts for industrial development in
line with export development strategies.
15
 VISION

DOUBLING UP THE NATIONAL PRODUCTIVITY OF PAKISTAN

Industry Enhancing Reinvigorating

Transformation National Government
Infrastructure
Transformation to
Export-driven
Industry. Human Capital
Development. Developing Smart
Incentivizing Governance.
Industrial Innovation.
Upgrading
STRATEGY 1

STRATEGY 2

STRATEGY 3
Physical Fostering Open
Establishing and Secured
Vibrant Innovation Infrastructure
through Government.
Ecosystem.
Private-Public
Reforming Partnership.
Private-Public
Partnership.

02 MARKET DIVERSIFICATION AND REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY

Market access and diversification are key elements in Pakistan’s export enhancement strategies.
The following initiatives are currently being pursued to consolidate and ensure wallet share in
current markets, explore new ones and diversify the potential buyer base. In addition to the afore-
mentioned, existing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)/Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) will be
further enhanced to extract maximum benefit out of them besides finalizing the following key
initiatives under pursual:

1. GSP SCHEME WITH THE EUROPEAN UNION

The current GSP Scheme is going to end in December 2023. European Union is expected to
launch a ten-year scheme for the period 2024-34. The Government of Pakistan has taken
measures to secure Pakistan’s interest for the upcoming GSP Scheme 2024-34 and ensure
Pakistani goods exported to the European Union continue to benefit from preferential trade
terms.

2. PREFERENTIAL TRADE AGREEMENT WITH AZERBAIJAN

The GoP and Azerbaijan are working on a preferential trade agreement, for which the draft has
been finalized. Under the stewardship of the Ministry of Commerce (MoC), stakeholders’ con-
sultations have concluded and technical level of negotiations are expected to commence
shortly.

3. TRADE DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE WITH ASEAN COUNTRIES

The GoP will initiate market access activities in the
ASEAN region through the first ever Trade Development
Conference in Indonesia in the coming months where
delegates from other ASEAN countries will be invited.

16
 4. FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WITH GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL
Pakistan is in the process of concluding the Free Trade Agreement with Gulf Cooperation Coun-
cil (GCC), which comprises of six members namely Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emir-
ates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Sultanate of Oman. An important feature of the FTA is a sepa-
rate free trade agreement in the Services Sector.

Based upon the dynamics of the Services Sector in Pakistan, emphasis has been placed on
Commercial Presence (Mode 3) and Movement of Natural Persons (Mode 4) to enhance
employment opportunities for the skilled and semi-skilled human resources in GCC countries
and to promote investment opportunities in Pakistan in the form of joint ventures. All of the 11
sectors of services trade have been included in this on-going FTA.
5. COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH UAE
The GoP is also working on finalizing terms of reference to negotiate Comprehensive Economic
Partnership Agreement (CEPA) for establishing a Free Trade Area with the government of the
United Arab Emirates.
6. REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY
A vibrant regional trading network is essential for creating the necessary conditions for export
growth. Regional Connectivity, facilitating border markets and trade is, therefore, a target area
of the Ministry of Commerce. The following initiatives have so far been taken, which are expect-
ed to start showing results in the next 12-24 months:
An Agreement between Uzbekistan & Pakistan on transit trade operational in 2022. Paki-
stan’s exports to Uzbekistan have increased from USD 36.56 million in July-March FY
21-22 to USD 73.12 million in the same period of FY 22-23.
Pakistan-Uzbekistan Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) was signed in 2022, extending
market access for Pakistan in Cement, Mobile Phones, Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals,
Processed food, and Confectionary sectors. Tariff concessions have been given on a total
of 17 tariff lines at HS-6 level by both countries under this PTA and is likely to support
Pakistan’s exports.
Pakistan-Tajikistan Transit Trade Agreement was signed December 2022. The agreement
will become operational after the notification of its rules by custom authorities.

03 PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND TRADE FACILITATION

1. NATIONAL COMPLIANCE CENTRE
The GoP has taken measures to establish National Compliance Centre(s) to facilitate and sup-
port sector-specific product development which require compliance / certification. These
centers will be established at the federal and provincial levels serving all production sectors of
the economy. The endeavor will also strengthen on-going efforts to fulfil commitments under
international agreements such as GSP+ and maintain preferential market access for export-ori-
ented industries.
2. TRADE FACILITATION AGREEMENT
Pakistan is a signatory to the WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement since 2015. Pakistan has
17
 effectively implemented its commitments under the agreement and currently stands at 95
percent compliance. A National Trade and Transport Facilitation Committee (NTTFC) has also
been created under the agreement, to oversee all aspects of border facilitation related to trade
and transport. This will remove logistical barriers, reduce transport costs, and enhance trade for
Pakistan. Through the implementation of TFA, an improvement in business processes will be
observed by reducing regulatory burdens. Transportation costs, on average, contribute 10% to
20% to the total cost of Pakistan’s exporters. An improvement on this aspect will translate into
significant reduction in delays and the cost of doing business.
3. TARIFF RATIONALIZATION
Ministry of Commerce (MoC) is also working on improving production / export of technical
textiles to help diversify into more complex production base which has high demand in global
market. Tariff Rationalization study on the value chain of technical textiles is under way, the
results of which will be implemented to improve textiles’ product diversification according to
the requirements of stakeholders, fiscal space and the objectives of industrial and export devel-
opment.

4. EXPORT READINESS PROGRAM

The GoP intends to implement a capacity building program ‘Export Readiness Program’ SMEs.
The intervention will improve the export readiness of SMEs in promising sectors of the econo-
my, in line with the Strategic Trade Policy Framework (STPF) and improve their export prospects
through comprehensive export coaching, business development & handholding activities. The
program is expected to be delivered over a period of 2.5 years and aims to assist SMEs to build
and improve export readiness and knowledge about potential markets abroad. The program,
which will be executed through Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and Small and
Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), will cover the following:

Providing knowledge transfer and business information on markets, marketing, technolo-

gy trends, processes, project management, competition, etc.).
Identifying and benchmarking strong suppliers/ services providers and introduce them to
potential markets.
Facilitating development of an integrated marketing plan for participating companies;
Providing matchmaking and promotion opportunities.
Identification of Tariff & non-Tariff barriers hindering Pakistan’s entry into various poten-
tial markets.
Review of International and regional best practices covering comparison with competing
countries.
Benchmarking technology levels in the competing countries.
Improvement required in Institutional Frameworks for export enhancement.
Improvements required in Fiscal and Regulatory Regimes.
Identification of requirements for establishment of structured sales network in Potential
markets.
18
5. GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS (GI) CELL
GI Registration is critical for international branding of Pakistani products. The Ministry of Com-
merce has established a dedicated GI Cell for the protection of Pakistan-based GIs. Preparation
of the Book of Specifications of Geographical Indications (GIs) for agricultural products and
non-agricultural products has already been initiated by the GI Cell to complete the prerequi-
sites for registration of some products, e.g. Basmati Rice, Pink Rock Salt, Hyderabad Bangles,
Chaunsa Mango, Sindhri Mango, Sarghodha Kinnow. Preparation of the Book of Specifications
of many other agriculture and handicraft products is underway.

6. TRADE DEVELOPMENT FAIR FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

In order to promote women entrepreneurs, Ministry of Commerce and the Trade Development
Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) are hosting the ‘18th OIC Trade Fair and 11th Wexnet 2023’ in
collaboration with the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT) in June 2023. The
upcoming 18th edition of the OIC Trade Fair, will be held in concomitance with the 11th edition
of WEXNET (also known as the Women Entrepreneurs Network), which is a flagship event of
TDAP for the capacity building of women entrepreneurs and enabling them to become part of
mainstream trade. The theme of the event will be “Women Empowerment through Entrepre-
neurship”. The three-day event will be a distinctive initiative to promote multi-sectoral econom-
ic diplomacy at a multilateral socio-political level, while offering women entrepreneurs a
unique opportunity to showcase their products to the international audience.

7. DEVELOPMENT OF BARTER TRADE

The barter trade arrangement is being established by the Ministry of Commerce in order to
mitigate the impact of rising imports and pressure on foreign exchange. The barter arrange-
ment will also facilitate trade of goods where formal banking channels have not been estab-
lished. This can greatly facilitate some of the businesses which face issues due to unavailability
of banking channels in certain international target markets. In addition, as part of the Look
Africa Initiative, the barter trade arrangement will specifically cater to African countries.

8. DOMESTIC COMMERCE POLICY

Domestic Commerce constitutes a vital part of our national economy, contributing nearly 41
percent to the GDP employing sizeable portion of the labor force and absorbing major share
of domestic investment. Consequently, Ministry of Commerce drafted the first ever Domestic
Commerce Policy based on the findings of research conducted through surveys, field visits,
reports, comparative analysis of other economies and a thorough, country-wide consultative
process. Draft Domestic Commerce Policy is in the final stages of approval. It is mandated to
cover a wide range of key areas including enterprise productivity and modernization, SME/firm
development, social inclusion and gender mainstreaming, retail and wholesale sector devel-
opment, local brand development, transportation, storage and warehousing, real estate, skill
development, intellectual property rights protection, and E-Commerce development and
strengthening. The Domestic Commerce Policy intends to create a conducive environment for
growth, and improve Pakistan’s ranking on a number of international parameters including the
Ease of Doing Business, Gender Gap, Global Competitiveness Index, and other global indica-
tors issues by various international agencies.
19
 9. E-COMMERCE AND IT EXPORTS
E-Commerce has become a critical mode for conducting business in today’s world. E-Com-
merce platforms can directly link business to consumers as well as other business across the
world thereby decreasing information asymmetry issues that are normally faced by exporters.
These platforms also bring customers directly to the businesses thereby cutting costs for main-
taining retail outlets. Given the importance of E-commerce, the Ministry of Commerce
approved Pakistan’s first E-Commerce Policy Framework, in 2019. The policy framework focus-
es on a wide range of things including e-commerce regulation and facilitation, financial inclu-
sion through digitalization, consumer protection, global connectivity etc. The following inter-
ventions have been made in this regard, which are expected to further build upon its contribu-
tions to exports in the next 12-24 months:
eTijarat Portal launched in 2022 that provides all E-Commerce related information. Since
its launch, more than 8,000 visits have been recorded;
Pakistan trade portal was launched in 2022 to showcase Pakistani products globally.
1,200 SMEs have been registered and its outreach will be further enhanced;
To facilitate small packet exports, E-Commerce Export Framework (SRO(14)/1/2021) has
been introduced;
Amazon added Pakistan to its Seller List in May 2021. More than 6000 sellers have been
registered and the number is expected to increase further;
International payment gateways have been introduced in Pakistan including Visa, Mas-
tercard, Etisalat, Payoneer, and Hyperwallet. Over the next 12-24, the Government intends
and will endeavor to bring PayPal to Pakistan. Key aim of the above efforts remains to
move the country away from Cash on Delivery to digitized payment solutions.
With the general shift toward digitalization, global demand for ICT, IT and ITeS has skyrocketed.
The government will focus efforts and investment toward securing a greater market share in
technology services exports, contributing toward GDP and creating job opportunities, especial-
ly for the youth. In addition to the above initiatives, the Ministry of IT will work to deliver the
following key interventions:
Freelancer Facilitation Policy: This policy will set the outline for freelancing activities in
Pakistan and pave the way for hiring of freelancers across Pakistan. Draft Policy has been
prepared and in process of consultation.

The Ministry of IT will focus on National E-Commerce Council. Given the sector’s
fast-paced growth and the adoption of Pakistan’s first E-Commerce Policy, E-Commerce
exports of Pakistan are expected to increase by 50%. With the support of a dedicated
National E-Commerce Council, the evolution in E-Commerce will be reviewed and
recommendations will be provided.

04 PAKISTAN REGULATORY REFORMS INITIATIVE

1. PAKISTAN REGULATORY REFORMS INITIATIVE
After achieving significant improvement in Ease of Doing Business Ranking, the Board of
20
 Investment (BOI) initiated second generation reforms across the country under the banner of
“Pakistan Regulatory Reforms Initiative (PRMI)”. To operate in Pakistan, businesses need to
fulfill regulatory requirements of three tiers of Government (Federal, Provincial and Local Gov-
ernments). Many Government departments / organizations have prescribed multiple “Registra-
tions, Licenses, Certificates and Other permits (RLCOs)” for establishing and operating such
businesses. To reduce compliance burden on businesses and make necessary reforms, GoP
has launched PRMI. A major deliverable of this project is the establishment of an online “One
Stop Shop” by the name of “Pakistan Business Portal”. To date, a number of reforms have been
implemented across ministries and departments as represented in Figure 2. While much work
has been accomplished, a number of other initiatives totaling at least 119 across myriad min-
istries and line departments are in the pipeline and will remain a key focus under the initiative.

Jurisdiction No. of Reforms No. of Ministries / Departments Covered

Federal Government 67 29
Government of Punjab 21 16
Government of Sindh 13 11
Government of KP 22 12
Government of Balochistan 24 18
Gilgit Baltistan 03 03
Azad Jammu & Kashmir 01 01
Total Reforms 151 90
Figure 2

SUMMARY OF REGULATORY REFORMS UNDER PRMI

Jurisdiction Reforms Implemented Reforms Under Process
Federal Government 47 26
Provincial and Local Governments 104 93
Total Reforms 151 119

2. ZERO-TIME-TO-STARTUP POLICY
BOI is working on the development of Zero Time To Startup (ZTTS) Policy for replacing NOCs
with Compliance Verification Process (CVP) through adopting Risk-Based approach. Likewise,
Business Enabling Environment (BEE) initiative is a new benchmarking exercise under devel-
opment. BEE will provide a quantitative assessment of the business environment for private
sector development, published annually and covering most of the economies worldwide.

In the aforesaid context, to institutionalize the reforms process and strengthen the regulatory
guillotine drive, the Board of Investment has drafted Assan Karobar Bill, which is with the Minis-
try of Law & Justice for vetting before submission to the cabinet Committee on Legislative
Cases (CCLC). Regulatory reforms can have a significant impact on investments, exports, and
SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) growth. When implemented effectively, these
21
 reforms can create a more favorable business environment, reducing the barriers and costs
associated with starting and running businesses.

3. INVEST PAKISTAN
Another key flagship initiative from BOI is “Invest Pakistan” that specializes in investment reali-
zation, sustainability, and bringing the government together to resolve binding constraints in
the investment decision. BoI will register a new public-private partnership company named
‘Invest Pakistan’ with the Securities Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).

The company will operate as a joint venture between the government and private sector part-
ners and will bring together expertise and resources of both parties to promote investment in
the country. The Cabinet has approved legislation for ‘Invest Pakistan’ initiative on the recom-
mendations of BoI and ensuing legislation will help ensure provisions for investor-friendly
services.

05 DOING BUSINESS FACILITATION: CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND

INDUSTRY, EXPORTERS & TOP BRANDS
1. BUSINESS FACILITATION AND BRAND DEVELOPMENT
The GoP has engaged extensively with all major chambers of Pakistan and top exporters and
brands to understand and help coordinate and resolve their regulatory and business-related
concerns. Under the ambit of this government-wide initiative, working groups with all major
chambers have been activated with regular interactions with private sector and relevant minis-
tries. Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives has taken the lead to conduct
extensive stakeholder consultations with around 100 top exporters of Pakistan and top brands,
representing sectors which earn more than 70% of the overall exports of the country. More
than 100 fiscal and non-fiscal issues and recommendations hindering leapfrogging exports
have been identified, which include suggestions to overhaul export promotion services, elevat-
ing the status of exporters in the society amongst others. The government will endeavor to
coordinate and act upon these recommendations to improve the business environment, recog-
nizing top exporters and brands by offering preferential services and help in formulating inter-
ventions which facilitate local brands go global.

2. WORLD-CLASS INDUSTRIAL INFRASTRUCTURE UNDER CPEC

SEZs are envisaged to attract high quality foreign direct investment by encouraging relocation
of industries not only from China but other countries, create job opportunities and transfer of
advanced technologies. Successful development of SEZs will result in diversification of exports,
import substitution and hence improvement in foreign exchange reserves. Industry under CPEC
is expected to benefit from Pakistan’s favorable endowments in natural resources, adequate
labor, improvement in ease of doing business, market access and optimal industrial policies
while utilizing Chinese and other international expertise in technology, financing and industrial
capacity

Nine (09) sites for development of Special Economic Zones under CPEC are under execution.
Four SEZs namely Rashakai SEZ, Allama Iqbal Industrial City (AIIC), Bostan SEZ and Dhabeji
22
 Dhabeji Industrial Zone are at advanced stages of development. The government will make its
priority to follow through on the high priority CPEC SEZs in order to provide a conducive
eco-system for businesses to relocate and thrive across the country.

06 SME DEVELOPMENT AND NURTURING LOCAL ENDOWMENTS

SMEs play a critical role in employment generation and continue to represent a substantial
portion of overall exports. Private sector turnaround remains anchored in the development and
improved contribution of the SMEs though enhanced competitiveness, augmented exports
through an integrated SME eco-system development approach which helps them connect with
global and value chains. Further, it is imperative that Pakistan realizes the full potential of its
local endowments. The Government plans to implement the following key initiatives to help sup-
port local endowment sectors and the SMEs:

1. CLUSTER-BASED DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR HIGH POTENTIAL SME SECTORS

The GoP has taken measures to establish National Compliance Centre(s) to facilitate and sup-
port sector-specific product development which require compliance / certification. These
centers will be established at the federal and provincial levels serving all production sectors of
the economy. The endeavor will also strengthen on-going efforts to fulfil commitments under
international agreements such as GSP+ and maintain preferential market access for export-ori-
ented industries.

Fruits, Vegetables Processing Light Engineering (Fans and Cutlery)

Musical Instruments Gems & Jewelry

Sea-food Designer Garments

Auto parts and E-Bikes Sports goods

Meat and Poultry Surgical Instruments and Medical Devices

Pharmaceuticals Electronics

Salt and Salt Products

In the first phase, 5 sectors from the list above will be picked to evolve development plan for
each cluster which will be rolled-out within 6 months of commencement.

2. SME FUND
SME Policy approved by the Federal Cabinet provides that an SME Fund will be established to
ensure that SME development initiatives are implemented and SMEDA is able to play a robust
role supporting interventions across the SME eco-system. The fund, to the tune of PKR 30 billion
will, among other things, undertake the following initiatives:
Technology upgradation of SMEs
23
 SME Credit Market Developmen.
Cost sharing for business development services, technology/product improvement, certi-
fication, market access, training, productivity enhancement etc.
Programs / projects, such as common facility centers and small interventions for SME
sector development in partnership with institutional players.
Undertake and promote equity finance, venture capital and other technology based
financial solutions.
Support entrepreneurship eco-system development, including support for digitization,
automation, adoption of new technologies, incubation and start-up accelerator
programs.
Market information, marketing and exhibition support.

3. WOMEN INCLUSIVE FINANCE (WIF) SECTOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

National SME Policy 2021, envisions to support women owned businesses to ensure their
greater participation in economic activities, acknowledging their importance and impact on
economic development. To this end, SMEDA has initiated a process of developing Women
Entrepreneurship Policy and Action Plan with financial and technical assistance from the Asian
Development Bank under its Women Inclusive Finance (WIF) Sector Development Program. A
diagnostic Study on the key barriers to Women Entrepreneurship has been conducted, that
provides the baseline for formulating the National Women Entrepreneurship Policy. It is envis-
aged that the Policy will serve as Government of Pakistan’s framework for women empower-
ment, equity and enable women-led enterprises to play a role in the economic development
and exports of the country.

4. NATIONAL MINERAL DATA CENTRE

Mineral sector is one of the key focus areas and remains a contender to develop with the
objective of product diversification based on local endowments in perspective. However, any
local or foreign investment commences with transparent, credible data to base its investments
upon, without which natural endowments may remain untapped in an organized fashion. To
develop the sector, the GoP is in the process of setting up a National Mineral Data Centre to
facilitate investors, which is expected to be rolled out in the next 12-15 months.

ESTABLISHMENT OF
NATIONAL MINERAL DATA CENTRE

24
 THE PROJECT IS BEING EXECUTED KEEPING IN VIEW FOUR KEY COMPONENTS

State-of-the-art Minerals Data Centre and Investment Facilitation Cell.

Minerals Information and Investment Services Portal.

Integrated GIS based Solutions/Applications for data storage and information processing.

Provision of Hardware, Software and Trainings to Provincial M&MDs.

5. AGRICULTURE EXPORTS AND OTHER POLICY MEASURES

Pakistan’s agriculture sector has not performed well especially over the last 5-7 years. Pakistan
has been traditionally self-sufficient in wheat and cotton. But over the last two years, Pakistan
has imported $1.77 billion worth of wheat, a trade which may continue in the short term.
Cotton production crisis has also lingered on for the last 10-12 years. In the last five years
alone, Pakistan’s cotton imports have exceeded $6.0. Pakistan has never been self-sufficient in
pulses and edible oil. The value of annual imports of pulses, over the last five years, have
ranged from $500 million to $700 million. In the same period, imports of edible oil have
ranged from $2.0 billion to $3.72 billion.

EXPORT ENHANCEMENT: Over the last five years, Pakistan’s main agricultural exports have been
rice ($2.0-$2.5 billion/year), fisheries ($400-$450 million/year), fruits and vegetables
($640-$800 million/year), and meat ($225-$340 million/year). Other than rice, all other com-
modities have much higher potential to increase export. For Pakistan, more tangible agricultur-
al export enhancement opportunities are in China. The Ministry of National Food Security and
Research (MNFSR) has been exploring these opportunities though CPEC initiatives and the
platform of the Joint Working Group on Agriculture (JWG-A). China’s annual agricultural
imports exceed $278 billion which include meat, fisheries, fruits, and vegetables. Annual
imports of each of these commodities exceed $10 billion. Pakistan’s current agricultural export
to China, over the last five years, have ranged $500-$950 million. The higher export last year
was due to increase in rice exports.

For agricultural export enhancement to China, under the (Joint Working Group – Agriculture )
JWG-A, MNFSR is developing the following business models:

Industrial Scale
01 Feedlot Fattening

BUSINESS Inland Shrimp Farming

02
MODELS

03 Vegetable Exports

25
 01 Industrial Scale Feedlot Fattening: Over three million male buffalo calves are wasted
annually in Pakistan. These claves cannot be saved and raised at the household level.
MNFSR has prepared a pre-facility and now working with private sector companies of
both China and Pakistan to help develop joint ventures. In three years, Pakistan could
start exporting beef worth $500 million to $1.0 billion per annum. The longer-term
potential of meat exports to China could range between $2.0-$3.0 per annum. MNFSR
has assisted one Chinese company to establish donkey slaughterhouse in Gwadar
SEZ as well. The company is expected to start operations this year with annual exports
of expected around $30 million. They are also developing donkey breeding farms to
expand their operations in the medium to long-term.

02 Inland Shrimp Farming: MNFSR has already established the proof of concept that Paki-
stan can expand inland shrimp farming in the saline waterlogged land of Punjab and
Sindh. Like feedlot fattening initiative, MNFSR is working with private companies of
both countries to workout investment models in inland fisheries and shrimp farming,
processing, and export to China. Pakistan could start exporting fisheries worth
$500-$800 million per annum. The potential is much higher in the long run.

03 Vegetable Exports: MNFSR has assisted one Chinese company to expand its Chili
production from 400 acres in 2021-22 to 10,000 acres in 2022-23. They are planning
to set up chili processing plant in south Punjab this year. This proof of concept will lead
this and other Chinese companies to establish production and processing of other
vegetables and export to Gulf countries and China. Pakistan has the potential to
expand its vegetable export $500-$800 million per annum in the next three years.

IMPORT SUBSTITUTION: In the next 2-3 years, by taking policy and development initiatives, Paki-
stan has the potential to become self-sufficient in wheat and cotton and attain 25% to 30%
import substitution in pulses and edible oil.

IMPORT
Policy Initiatives 01 SUBSTITUTION 02 Development
INITIATIVES Initiatives

01 Policy Initiatives: By announcing the profitable support price for wheat and profitable
intervention price for cotton a month before their respective sowing times, as well as
expanding access to formal credit to farmers, Pakistan can achieve self-sufficiency in
wheat and near self-sufficiency in cotton. It will save import expense of about
$2.5-$3.0 billion a year. For cotton, the government has announced profitable inter-
vention price since 2021 but farmers’ access to high-yielding varieties and good qual-
ity certified seed have been major impediments. Both are now becoming available
slowly but can be expedited through policy actions in coordination with the private
sector. MNFSR is actively working with two Chinese companies to field-test their Bt
26
 cotton varieties and introduce them in Pakistan. By introducing policy of regulatory
duty on palm oil, Pakistan can attain 25%-35% import substitution worth about $500
million to $1.5 billion (depending on the international prices) in the next 2-3 years.
With similar policy actions, profitable support price and buy-back arrangement, Paki-
stan can attain 25%-30% import substitution in pulses saving about $250-$300
million a year. Further, share of farm credit is less than half of the total formal credit to
the sector. Smallholders, who till about half the farmland and produce over 80% of
the food, lack access to formal credit. MNFSR has developed innovative concept to
provide formal credit to landless farmers and smallholders without collateral. Nurtur-
ing such initiatives will be critical to attain agricultural growth potential.

02 Development Initiatives: Pakistan’s agriculture has quite low level of mechanization

even on regional standards. Over 70% of wheat is sown after cotton and rice and
sowing is, on average, late by two weeks. Empirical research shows that wheat sown
after mid-November in irrigated areas of Punjab incurs yield loss of 26 kg/day; imply-
ing yield loss of 10 maunds/acre. Given that average wheat yield is 30 maunds/acre,
this is a significant loss. About half of this loss may be averted if cotton and rice
harvesting and wheat sowing were mechanized to minimize the turnaround time. This
level of mechanization will require financing initiatives and incentives through subsi-
dized interest rate with longer tenor. Studies have shown that 10%-15% wheat is shat-
tered during harvesting because large majority of the combine harvesters are over 40
years old having outlived their efficient life span. This loss amounts to 2-3 million tons
of wheat worth $700 million to $1.0 billion. Import of modern combines will also
require subsidized interest rates with longer tenor. The prime minister’s Kissan Pack-
age 2022 includes these initiatives and the government will endeavor to arrange
financing in order to meet the objectives.

27
 E-PAKISTAN AND
EMPOWERMENT
Empowering Youth, Women and Others
E-PAKISTAN
Enhancing Economic Competitiveness
Using Information and Communication Technology

INTRODUCTION
The Government of Pakistan identifies that the growth of information and communication technology-
(ICT) is a vital factor for the mid-to long-term progress of the country, therefore, government is working
on a Digital Pakistan vision to enhance digital economy that will spur economic prosperity and citizen
empowerment.

The Government of Pakistan strives to improve its citizens’ quality of life and economic well-being by
ensuring availability of accessible, affordable, reliable, universal and high quality ICT services. GOP
strongly believes in mass adoption of emerging digital technologies and innovative applications to
enable cross-sector socio-economic development and transformation of economic activities, govern-
ance models, social interaction, and achievement of sustainable development goals.

Economic growth is targeted through ICT eco-sys-

tem enablement resulting into business growth
and job creations, while Citizen Empowerment has
been focused through e-governance. To achieve
above objectives, a multipronged strategy has been
adopted that focuses on building the capacity of
public and private sector besides provisioning of
requisite infrastructure and platforms.

SITUATION ANALYSIS
Knowledge is the most strategic asset in the emerging global economy and a key medium of wealth
creation. Rapid adoption of digital information technologies is acting as a change enabler and disrup-
tor of the conventional approach to provide services. Thus, giving birth to entire new sectors of eco-
nomic activity. Telecom and digital connectivity has a significant positive impact on the economy and
contribute to the growth of GDP by increasing productivity, expanding markets, creating jobs, fostering
innovation, and improving access to information.

Despite current economic and inflationary pressures, Telecom sector metrics reflect huge potential for
stable growth. There are over 194 million biometrically verified cellular connections with mobile cov-
erage of over 90% of the population. Broadband subscribers have also crossed the 127 million mark,
reflecting 56% broadband penetration. 3G and 4G mobile signal coverage is available to more than
78% of the population. The annual mobile broadband data usage has seen phenomenal growth
29
reaching more than 8,970 petabytes showing an annual growth of 31%. The under pressure telecom
industry still managed to achieve a revenue of PKR 694 billion during FY 2021-22 and contributed
more than PKR 325 billion in the national exchequer i.e. the sector returned 45% of its revenues to
the national exchequer. The Telecom sector has been a flag-bearer of foreign investments in the coun-
try with almost $ 6 billion investment since 2017-18.

Pakistan’s IT industry has been growing at a rapid pace in the last 10 years. Currently, the IT exports
are estimated to exceed USD 2.5 billion. However, compared to the regional and emerging IT players
it is still significantly very low. The current workforce employed in the IT sector (excluding freelancers)
is around 325,000. Another 300,000 are estimated to work as ‘active’ freelancers out of a million
associated with free-lancing. These freelancers are mostly associated with e-commerce, software
development and creative content services. The universities in the country are producing 25,000
graduates approx. every year. However, a high proportion of them are not ‘industry-ready’ immediately
and thus have either to undergo intensive skills training or adopt non-IT professions. This has created
a supply-demand gap hindering rapid growth of the IT industry and consequently IT/ ITeS exports.

On the IT infrastructure and connectivity side, despite rapid transformation of the telecommunication
land-scape in the country over the last two decades, Pakistan still faces a number of problems such
as unavailability of alternative internet international routes, last mile high speed broadband and few
domestic cloud service providers/data centers and high taxation on telecom services i.e. ~35%
current restrictions on import of ICT and Telecom equipment, high USD exchange and interest rate,
energy prices.

There is a huge potential and opportunity for Pakistan to aggressively gear its economy towards digi-
tal/information technologies with specially emphasis on IT/ITeS exports having telecom digital con-
nectivity, utilizing un-assigned spectrum of almost 250-300 MHz. The envisioned turnaround of Paki-
stan’s economy in the medium to long-term is possible by giving IT and Telecom sectors the top priori-
ty.

VISION AND MISSION

Information and Communications Technologies (ICT)
are a key driver of innovation, economic competi-
tive-ness and greater social inclusion.

In this respect, Pakistan Vision 2025 seeks “to lay the

foundation of a knowledge economy by promoting
efficient, sustainable and effective ICT initiatives MISSION
through synergic development of industrial and aca-
To increase the IT and Telecom
demic resources.”
exports multiple-folds to PKR 1
Consequently, the Digital Pakistan Policy 2018 envi- trillion, see a health and flourishing
sions ICT sector “to become strategic enabler for an telecom sector with increased
accelerated digitization ecosystem to expand the foreign investments and expand IT
knowledge- based economy and spur socioeconomic export base in the next 5-10 years.
growth”.
30
ROLE OF NATIONAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY BOARD (NITB) IN
5E’S FRAMEWORK
The National Information Technology Board’s (NITB) primary mandate is to promote the e Governance
by developing and implementing information technology and digital solutions across Government
agencies, private and public sectors. The Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives
outlined the 5Es framework of development to address Pakistan's socioeconomic challenges, where-
as been the Digital and Technology Wing of Government of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, NITB can
extend support for developing and implementing digital space. The 5Es framework aims to improve
Pakistan's economic stability, access to services, and promote inclusive development by focusing on
exports, equity, empowerment & E-Pakistan, environment, and energy & infrastructure. NITB's role in
implementing the 5Es framework involves developing and implementing digital strategies to promote
exports, improve access to services, promote inclusive development, address environmental challeng-
es, and promote the development of digital infrastructure that supports efficient energy production
and distribution.

For the Vision 2025, The National Information Technology Board (NITB) can contribute in developing
Digital Solution and implementing e-Governance Project which will lead towards the broader Vision
of the Highest office of "Putting People First”. To Promote the National Vision of Putting Every Pakistan-
is First, we can start by developing digital platforms for basic services, promoting gender inclu-
sivity and empowerment, and providing training on digital literacy and entrepreneurship. NITB can
extend its supports in developing a comprehensive digital strategy that outlines the National goals,
objectives, and action plan for achieving a Government Digital Economy, which will includes evaluat-
ing current digital capabilities and identifying areas for improvement. NITB can play a key role in "Insti-
tutional Digital Transformation, Institutional Digitization and e-Governance" by providing technical
expertise and support to civil service and state-owned enterprise reforms, and promoting transparen-
cy, accountability, and citizen participation in governance. We can contribute to “Energy, Water, and
Food Security" by developing digital platforms and tools for efficient resource management and
promoting the use of technology in agriculture productivity. We can also extend our support to "Private
Sector-Led Growth" by creating a business-friendly environment, promoting digital entrepreneurship,
and developing digital platforms for export-led growth. Lastly, we can contribute for "Improving Nation-
al Competitiveness" by promoting productivity, innovation, and quality through technology, enhancing
exports, and developing a skilled workforce through higher education reform.

The National Information Technology Board (NITB) plays a crucial role in the implementation of the
5Esframework of development outlined by the Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives.
NITB is responsible for driving digital transformation across various sectors of the economy and socie-
ty, which is essential for achieving the objectives of the 5Es framework.

NITB'S ROLE IN THE 5ES FRAMEWORK INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING

Exports: NITB can help promote exports by developing and implementing digital strategies, poli-
cies and Good Governance Digital model for manufacturing, commerce, and SMEs. NITB can also
provide technical assistance to businesses to help them leverage e-commerce platforms to
expand their reach in international markets. For example, implementation of payment gateways
by inviting Industry Gurus.
31
 E-Pakistan and Empowerment: As been one of the Digital Compliance Partners for Govern-
ment of Pakistan, we can play a key role in promoting inclusive development by creating opportu-
nities for youth and women through digital initiatives. For example, we can develop programs to
train young people in digital skills, such as software development and digital marketing, work with
the private sector to create more jobs in the IT sector. Likewise, our team of Professional Experts
are currently working on initiatives like Prime Minister’s Youth Program, Innovative HUB, DGSE app,
HUM Raaz App, National Jobs portal for uplifting the e-empowerment and digitization of the coun-
try and Ba-Ikhaeyar Naujawan Internship Program.

Environment: We can develop, based on stated of the Art technologies, using AI and Big Data
Predictive Solution for Climatic Disaster Management, which can help in developing a proactive
approach towards disaster and risk management. We can also extend our services in developing
smart solutions to address the impacts of climate change, such as developing climate modeling
tools and promoting the use of renewable energy sources. We have always promoted less paper
environment by promoting Go Green and Green Pakistan Vision.

Energy and Infrastructure: NITB can work with the government and private sector to
promote the development of digital infrastructure, such as broadband networks and data
centers, that support efficient energy production and distribution. NITB can also develop digital
solutions to improve the efficiency of energy use in various sectors, such as agriculture and trans-
portation using Big Data and Block chain Decision Making.

Equity: We can help improve access to services by promoting digital inclusion, particularly in
marginalized communities. This includes developing digital literacy programs and providing
access to affordable internet services. We can also help implement e-governance initiatives
that improve access to government services and reduce corruption. For example, working in
close collaboration with USF and Other telecom partners for introducing free applications for edu-
cation and health services in far flung areas.
How can NITB relate to the seven pillars defined in the conference encompassed
seven diverse pillars which are the key drivers and enablers of growth as envisaged
in vision 2025:
Achieving Sustainable, Indigenous, and Inclusive Growth: With the passive growth
towards adoption of the Digital Economy Globally, we can provide assistance and knowledge area
by promoting the digital economy and creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurship,
innovation, and creativity. Been the technology wing of the Government of Islamic Republic of
Pakistan, we can develop policies and programs to promote the use of technology in traditional
industries such as agriculture, arts and culture, and sports. Additionally having a strong team of
professionals in the Digital Development, we can also contribute to resource mobilization by
developing digital platforms for crowd funding, venture capital, and angel investing.

Energy, Water, and Food Security: NITB can contribute to this theme by developing digital
platforms and tools for efficient management of energy, water, and food resources. We can also
promote the use of technology in agriculture productivity, milk and meat productivity enhance-
ment, and tackling malnutrition and stunting using Big Data, Data Analysis and Data Driven Deci-
32
 sion Making for increasing the productivity through Technology.

Institutional Reform and Democratic Governance: NITB has been the pioneer in laying
the foundation of the e-Governance through its state-of-the-art developed Solution e-Office. E-Of-
fice is complete Office suite for enterprise management including key enterprise features like Digi-
tal File and Document sharing, Digital Noting along with functions like Human Resource Man-
agement, Financial Management and Procurement. We have successfully roll out e-Office in
40 Ministries and around 192 attached departments. Through e-Office successful implementa-
tion as a Positive Use Case, we had and will continue to play a key role in institutional reform
by providing technical expertise and support to civil service reforms, police and criminal justice
system reforms, and state-owned enterprise reforms. Technology is always used Globally for
the promotion of transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance and deci-
sion-making processes, we been the lead player can extend our expertise and support for achiev-
ing the targets as Envisioned by the Government of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Putting People First: Being the Digital Transformation wing and promoting Digitalization, NITB
can play its part by leveraging information technology to develop and enhance human and social
capital. For example, as in the Past we have been an active player which has contributed in uplift-
ing the Digital Era of the Country where we have successfully developed and deployed digital plat-
forms for online education, healthcare, and social protection programs to provide access to basic
services for people in remote areas.

Private Sector-Led Growth: We have always in the Past, played a role in bringing the Private
Industries and the Public Government Departments together on a single platform where sharing
of the capacity and development for increasing the Capacity of Human Resource, National Project
Targets and Mutual Goal for excelling the Country in the Digital Era has been achieved. NITB can
support this theme by creating a business-friendly environment and promoting digital entrepre-
neurship, start-ups, and small and medium enterprises. NITB can also develop digital platforms
for export-led growth and value chain gap improvements to enhance investment and growth
along with Private Industry Counterparts.

Improving National Competitiveness: We can contribute by promoting productivity, innova-

tion, and quality through the use of technology by developing policies and programs to enhance
exports and develop global brands, and support the reform of higher education in the country to
create a skilled workforce.

Modernization of transportation infrastructure: NITB can play a key role in the mod-
ernization of transportation infrastructure by promoting the use of technology in transporta-
tion management, logistics, and supply chain management. To achieve the transportation evolu-
tion, we can extend our support towards the development of telecommunication infrastructure to
enhance regional connectivity via rail, road, and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

How National Information Technology Board can work on different layers of eco-
nomic uplifting?

33
As part of its ongoing commitment to ensure IT-related policies and regulations aligned with national
strategy and objectives, NITB has delivered over 180 successful projects, including G2B, G2C, and
G2G since 2014. Through supportive policies and regulatory environment, it plays a vital role in the
success of the IT sector in Pakistan. It envisions to create an environment conducive to business
growth, job creation, and innovation in the IT industry. The objective is to help Pakistan's IT sector
become a vibrant and efficient industry capable, of competing in the global IT landscape. By serving
as a hub for implementing digital initiatives, it will propel digitalization in Pakistan and develop
the country's information infrastructure.
1. In terms of Government to Government (G2G) services, the National Information Technology
Board (NITB) is responsible for developing and implementing digital strategies to promote e-
Governance, Digital Transformation and Digitization. This includes working with manufactur-
ing, commerce, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help them leverage digi-
tal tools and platforms to expand their reach in international markets. Additionally, NITB
collaborates with the private sector to create more job opportunities in the IT sector, promot-
ing empowerment and inclusive development.

2. Regarding Government to Citizen (G2C) services, NITB aims to promote digital inclu-
sion, particularly in marginalized communities, through the development of digital literacy
programs and Digital Solutions compliance with the Government Business Processes.
Furthermore, NITB implements e-governance initiatives to improve access to government
services and reduce corruption. By leveraging digital tools and platforms, NITB can help
citizens interact with the government more easily and transparently in a cost effective &
smart efficient manner.

3. In terms of Government to Employee (G2E) services, NITB creates opportunities for youth and
women through various digital initiatives. For example, NITB develops programs to train
young people in digital skills, such as software development, digital marketing, Data Analytics
etc. We empowers employees to acquire the skills necessary to succeed in the IT industry.

4. Regarding Government to Business (G2B) services, we may/can provide technical assistance

to businesses to help them leverage e-commerce, export of digital services etc. By doing so,
we may/can help businesses grow and contribute to the economy. We may also collaborate
with the private sector to develop and implement initiatives that support economic growth.
This includes working with businesses to identify opportunities for growth and development.
We like wise in the past has provided assistance in development of Digital Platform for easy
and accessible online services to businesses which included services like online registration,
licensing, and permit applications etc. This makes it easier and more efficient for businesses
to access government services, saving time and money with promoting confidence of all the
stake holders.

NITB KEY E-GOVERNANCE INITIATIVES HIGHLIGHTS

E-GOVERNANCE NON-DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
NITB specializes in key automation, design, development, and implementation of robust IT technolo-
34
NITB specializes in key automation, design, development, and implementation of robust IT technolo-
gies, and infrastructures to boost the performance of the public sector. NITB provides federal minis-
tries carefully tailored technical support services to assist not just with project deployment but also
with routine web systems maintenance to keep their online projects running smoothly, to full help-
desk support for operational management and trouble shooting.

Pass Track App/ Portal

By tracking Corona-infected patients traveling to Pakistan, Pass Track Portal eased the
burden of healthcare professionals. The system helps track basic information and
other relevant information about passengers.

National Jobs Portal

Youth unemployment and public organizations are bridged with the help of a digital
platform. For job seekers, it's a centralized portal for working with government
ministries and their attached departments.

NITB Smart Technology Lockdown Solutions

NITB Smart Lockdown Solutions for NCOC for facilitating the Government in devising
key strategies for locking down the areas where COVID-19 cases are in higher inten-
sity, resulting in a decreasing number of positive cases.

Covid-19 Portal & App

It is the Government of Pakistan’s official web portal, developed by the National IT
Board, presenting real-time stats of COVID-19 cases in Pakistan, as well as World-
wide.

Resource Management System

Resource Management System (RMS) is a nationwide initiative by the National IT
Board in coordination with NDMA and PDMA for the effective management of govern-
ment hospital inventories.

Real-time Decision Support Dashboard for NCOC

The dashboard showcases real-time statistics and analytical reports related to
hospitals, testing centers, quarantine centers, and warehouses. This platform helps
NCOC in making quick decisions based on facts.

Baytee App
This digital wonder of NITB serves 51% of the population of Pakistan i.e. women. As
suggested by its name, Baytee Mobile App targets to lift up the life quality of Pakistani
women.

DGSE App
DGSE App provides digital assistance for educating students who are faced with
physical, developmental, or neurological delays.

35
Water Billing Portal
This portal is for AJK, manages billings district-wise and region-wise, dynamic bill
generate and via BAR Code reader. Online bill view and payment will be made in the
second phase.

Basic IT Training Registration Portal

BIT registration portal enables, batch management of all IT training and courses all
government officials of Grades 15 and 16 are registered for basic IT training i.e. Basic
and Advanced to have a promotion. We have automated the test process from apply-
ing online to testing at Virtual University and Result Certificate

E Portal (NOC)
It is aimed at automating the process of the NOC certificate, i.e. by digitalizing the No
Objection Certificate procedure for employees working under the Establishment Divi-
sion from manual to digital.

Bait-ul-Maal Portal
It aims at serving students the ease of using Bait ul Maal services by using the
student information system of Pakistan bait-ul-Maal, student profile, enrolment in any
course and session, and multiple training centers managed.

Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS) Portal

Another digital assistance offered by National IT Board on a national level is the
development of HRMIS for its modules such as education, posting/deputation details,
training, and promotions. With one click the total service record of the officers/offi-
cials can be retrieved.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Portal CPR

Aimed to serve humanity with digital assistance, this portal aids citizen to apply for
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation training and get certificates and can use this knowl-
edge of training when needed with the help of user registration via helpline and
caller agents.

MoHR Ticketing System

With gender equality and an inclusive approach, this complaint management system
for Transgender to smartly resolve the issue, the system has features of complaint
tracking, SMS notifications on status updates, and a details activity history.

HUM Raaz App

Using a collective approach of leaving no one behind, this app is to serve citizens
who are seeking help with mental disorders. The app is designed to identify the diag-
noses on the basis of symptoms selected by the user.

Safar Saheli App

The Safar Saheli App is the initiative of Pakistan Railways for the safety of bona fide
36
 passengers (especially women) of Pakistan Railways who face any panic or emer-
gency situation during their journey. It aims to provide safe and secure travel to
women traveling through PR trains across Pakistan. This app will help women passen-
gers to get immediate help/relief from Pakistan Railways deputed relief/response
team.

Innovation Hub
Developed to empower the general public by welcoming their unique business
proposal to be reviewed by subject matter experts.

NLCC Dashboard
Aimed for synergizing and articulating national efforts against locust for decision
making and effective implementation, Managing and displaying stats of survey and
control areas of the country in terms of maps, charts, and tables, on daily basis.

KEY E-GOVERNANCE INITIATIVES INJECTING TO THE

THE ECONOMY OF PAKISTAN
A centralized portal powered by National Information Technology Board to automate manual system
for Cabinet agenda meetings with digital submission of summaries, agenda compilation and notifica-
tion to ministries, along with approvals and other details.

1. Initiative: Automation of Cabinet Procedures

A centralized portal powered by National Information Technology Board to automate manual
system for Cabinet agenda meetings with digital submission of summaries, agenda compila-
tion and notification to ministries, along with approvals and other details.
Injection into Economy: 52 .0 million per annum.
Economic Indicators 2020-22:
• Save 80 % time and brings transparency by automation of agenda item business process.

2. Initiative: Islamabad City App

An App developed by ensures online provision of more than 40 government services including
registration process of domicile, international driving permit, court cases, excise and taxation,
arms license etc.
Injection into Economy: 0.70 billion per year approx.
Economic Indicators 2020-22:
• 1.4 billion Revenue generated through this app till date.
• Transparency in Citizen Services.
• Timely delivery of services.
• Savings to exchequer by delivery of service at doorstep.
• 51,426 Jobs creation

3. Initiative: National Job Portal

Developed by NITB, National Job Portal provides a centralized job portal for job hunters to have
37
 a chance to work with the Government of Pakistan Ministries and its attached department.
Injection into Economy: Approx. 8 million saving per annum.
Economic Indicators 2020-22:
• Single window for all Government Jobs
• 0.33 million registered users.
• Saves exchequers by eliminating paper based apply and evaluation process.

4. Initiative: e-Office
An indigenous e-government ERP/GRP is developed and being implemented in all the
40 federal ministries/divisions along with underlined 192 departments. E-Office is a com-
plete back-office automation suite.
Injection into Economy: 600 million per annum.
Economic Indicators 2020-22:
• Up to 25 % savings on POL
• Up to 70 % savings on annual stationery cost (approx. 600 million)
• 100 % Transparent, accountable system with executive dashboard for decision making.
• 80 % of time savings in process time.
• Increase government efficiency.

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
1. DEMAND DRIVEN INDUSTRY QUALITY & CAPACITY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
This Project defines the Standards & Policies, Testing & audit, Training, and Product Certification mech-
anism for government departments to conceive, plan, design, procure, develop or deploy and imple-
ment ICT solutions. Provide an adequate level of confidence that government IT/software RFP com-
plies with minimum quality standards. It will also help local Industry increase their level of quality and
competitiveness to international standards.

2. STRENGTHENING OF ICT INFRA STRUCTURE AND OFFICE AUTOMATION OF PRESIDENT SECRE-

TARIAT (AIWAN-E-SADR) PHASE-II
The aim of this project is to Strengthen the ICT infrastructure in President Secretariat for the better and
enhance public services and information security in an efficient and cost-effective manner, improve
the quality of government service and management, enhance the collaboration of the internal depart-
ments and the interactions within the government overall.
• Provide baseline latest ICT infrastructure, to be used as backbone for the implementation of e-Gov
ernance and related projects.
• To promote use of IT in Government working for fast, effective and transparent delivery of services.
• To equip every relevant employee of the President Secretariat, with IT for optimum use and to bene
fit the Government, in more effective manners.
• Enabling intra-organizational access to information using workflow, GRP like applications such as
e-filing application. Business processes that are accomplish by moving paper can be managing
electronically - from the very beginning to final disposition.
38
 • To conceptualize the IT growth in the government sector.
• To provide E-readiness for implementation of E-office application modules for e-filing, human r
esource, procurement, inventory, project, management, budgeting & finance will enable President's
Secretariat to perform routine office functions effectively and efficiently.
• To provide IT human resource to carry out IT operations and support.

3. SMART OFFICE FOR ALL FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS/DEPARTMENTS

Smart Office is a strategic nature project to provide a unified collaboration & communication platform
of services where government agencies would be able to communicate and collaborate over the
secured communication channel, along-with underlying information technology capabilities to
enable the information flow seamlessly across government agencies. The platform will provide the
Government of Pakistan's own secure services including:
• Audio / Video Call, Conference Call / Meetings
• Text Messaging
• Media (text, voice, video) sharing on the go.
• Secured Communication platform (voice & video)
• Content Management System
• File sharing
• Mobile App of E-office application.
• Customized workflows
• Deep Search,
• Acknowledgment Flow
• Administrative Controls

4. ONE PATIENT ONE ID

The scope of project includes Implementation, Customization and Replication of Hospital Man-
agement Information System (HMIS) in all federally administrative hospitals of Federal Govern-
ment.

The current 'project focuses towards achievement of objectives of "Pakistan Digital Policy"
through implementation of Hospital Management Information System in all Federally Administrative
hospitals under the concept of "One Patient One ID". The objective of the project is to improve patient
services through better management and, efficient use of available resources both human and
financial.

5. PRESIDENT INITIATIVE OF CYBER EFFICIENT PARLIAMENT

The major objective of this project is to enhance the institutional capacities of Parliamentary System
including MoPA, Senate, and National Assembly (NA) to perform their functions.
• Improved working of the House and all Committees
• Transparency in the House and Committees working
• Improved Participation of Members in Law Making
• IT Support in carrying out the Legislative Process
• Enhance the Oversight function of the National Assembly
• Timely availability of information to the Members and public
• Reduce Printing Cost

39
IGNITE’S NATIONAL INCUBATION CENTERS FOR
TECH ENTREPRENEURSHIP
The establishment of National Incubation Centers (NIC) for Tech Entrepreneurship Program aims to
provide support and resources to startups and entrepreneurs in Pakistan to help them develop innova-
tive ideas and grow their businesses. The program was launched in 2017 and is focused on fostering
a culture of entrepreneurship in the country by providing a platform to startups for business planning,
product development, pitching, networking, and funding.

Under NIC program, Ignite-National Technology Fund has established eight (8) incubation centers at
Islamabad, Lahore, Quetta, Karachi, Peshawar, Hyderabad, Faisalabad (Agritech), and Rawalpindi (Aer-
ospace technologies). Each NIC is providing a range of services to startups that include access to
coaching, mentorship, curriculum and networking opportunities, funding and investment support,
co-working space, opportunities to showcase products & services at local & international events and
other facilities & resources.

The NIC Program for tech entrepreneurship has been instrumental in promoting innovation and entre-
preneurship in Pakistan. All of the eight (8) NICs have been supporting wide range of startups from
different industries. So far, more than 1,317 startups have been hosted by these NICs and more than
660 have been graduated successfully. These startups have collectively committed an investment of
US $ 73.76 million and have generated revenue of PKR 9.14 billion. More than 126,000 jobs have
been created by these startups.

These NICs are also making a significant contribution to the female entrepreneurs of Pakistan and
about 36% of the startups are women led. More than, 2300 women have been empowered through
this program. These NICs have helped to boost economic growth, create new jobs, drive innovation
and promote women led entrepreneurship in the country.

40
IGNITE’S DIGISKILLS.PK FOR CAPACITY BUILDING
OF FREELANCERS
DigiSkills.pk is a flagship project of Ignite being executed nationwide since 2018 through Virtual
University, which is equipping existing and new freelancers with knowledge, skills, tools & techniques
necessary to seize the earning opportunities available internationally through freelancing in online
jobs market places and also locally. The first phase of this project was completed in February 2022 in
which 10 freelancing trainings were provided, whereas the second phase i.e.DigiSKills.pk 2.0 was
launched in Jan 2022 in which 5 new courses were added and with existing 10 courses whose con-
tent was also upgraded.

Overall, there are more that 3.3 million enrollments in 16 batches in 15 most in demand freelancing
courses, till date. Furthermore, there are around 27% female and 73% male enrollments with a
course completion rate of 31%. As per an independent study conducted in June 2022 through a
third-party firm, Digiskills.pk trained freelancers have earned more than USD$ 290 million.

1. Digiskills.pk had 11 batches, which had 2.3 million+ enrollments in which 579,322 were
females.

2. Currently Batch-4 of digiskills.pk 2.0, is in progress and there are 1,136,065 enrollments in
which 325,656 are females.

3. Total female percentage enrollments are 27%

Project highlights are as follows:

41
IGNITE’S INNOVATION FUND
With the objective of transforming country’s economy to knowledge-based economy, Ignite, has
funded over multiple ICT-centric technical innovative SEED projects to facilitate and nurture the
Research and innovation ecosystem among academicians, professionals and startups, etc.

These projects were funded to different segments of the society, including academia, IT industry and
Start-ups. The primary focus of these projects was to encourage and promote ICT related research,
development and innovation. After transformation into Ignite, the company is focusing on projects
with commercial orientation, based upon Fourth Industrial Wave technologies – like AI, IoT, Robotics
and AR/VR etc.

In total 149 projects have been funded worth Rs. 2.59 Billion since inception of Ignite. Highlights are
as follows:

Going forward, Ignite is planning new programs for empowerment of women and youth of Pakistan.
Some of them are as follows:

Ignite Startup Portal where both NIC and non-NIC startups can register and market their
products.
A Center of excellence in gaming & animation
An accelerator for seed funding of early stage startups
Bootcamps in programming languages in demand to train programmers
A technology transition fund for commercialization of new products
National Grassroots Initiative for funding of final year projects of ICT graduates
A women-focused incubator for women entrepreneurs

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
To create a holistic digital ecosystem with infrastructure and institutional frameworks for
rapid delivery of innovative digital services, application and content.
42
 Promote adoption of Telecom/ICT/digital technology in all spheres of the economic and
social activities, including healthcare, education, agriculture, social services, local gov-
ernment, and public sector services
Promote investment friendly telecom policy for increased investment in the sector and
introduction of 5G in Pakistan
Empower youth and women by using ICTs to reduce inequalities amongst the less-privi-
leged segments of the society and persons with disabilities. Thus, encourage policy of
inclusivity.
Promote innovation and entrepreneurship through provision of digital infrastructure
facilities, expanded easy access to funds, up skilling and training workforce competitive
with international standards and increasing the quantity of industry-ready workforce
and enabling investment environment.

STRATEGIC THRUST AREAS FOR SHORT AND

MEDIUM TERM
To achieve the target set in the Vision and Mission, following four Strategic Thrust Areas are described
along with the underlying Thematic Initiatives:

Strategic Thrust Area 1 Strategic Thrust Area 3

Accelerating Growth of Ease of Doing Business

Human Capital and Access to Funds

Strategic Thrust Area 2 Strategic Thrust Area 4

Pervasive Digital Policies & Reforms for
Connectivity and Digital Implementation of Digital
Ecosystem Development Ecosystem

STRATEGIC THRUST AREA 1: ACCELERATING GROWTH OF HUMAN CAPITAL

For having a robust and sustainable digital-based knowledge economy, Human Capital is the most
important strategic asset. In this backdrop, workforce development on modern lines especially in the
ICT skillsets is essential. For this purpose, this thrust area comprises of the following thematic initia-
tives:

THEMATIC INITIATIVE 1: UPSKILLING/ RESKILLING HR FOR DIGITAL ECOSYSTEM.

This initiative comprises of projects to launch Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs),
Bootcamps, Soft Skills, Specific high-end emerging technologies trainings, high volume of
IT Graduates, and specialized short courses.
43
 THEMATIC INITIATIVE 2: INDUSTRY-ACADEMIA-GOVERNMENT LINKAGES.
This initiative would make provisions to make available Champions of Change and Master
Trainers, Technology Transfer Experts for the domestic industry and educational and voca-
tional institutions.

THEMATIC INITIATIVE 3: EASY SCHOLARSHIPS AND LOANS PROVISIONS FOR IT PROFESSION-

ALS AND STUDENTS.
Provision of study scholarships for in-country and foreign higher education and research
programs will be launched for deserving students on merit.
Beside scholarships, study loan schemes on easy payment terms would be made availa-
ble for in-country higher education
Research Funds would be established and expanded to spur an environment of innova-
tion, research, development and commercialization.

THEMATIC INITIATIVE 4: CAREER COUNSELLING FOR WORK OPPORTUNITIES AND INTERN-

SHIPS.
IT Education, International Certifications, High-end Trainings
Internships for IT graduates in Public Sector organizations would be expanded to encour-
age IT professionals to later on adopt public sector as a career.

STRATEGIC THRUST AREA 2: PERVASIVE DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY AND DIGITAL ECO-

SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT
This thrust area would enable further expansion and availability of broadband internet all over the
country and making it affordable to the lower-income tiers of the society so that they could also reap
the benefits of the new digital technologies and move towards better quality of life. This would
empower the under-privileged segments of the society and also accelerate indigenous solutions to
be developed by the IT professionals. The pervasive use of digitalized services would thus require
strengthening of the domestic digital ecosystem/ infrastructure. Following are the major thematic
initiatives covered under this thrust area.

THEMATIC INITIATIVE 1: ADOPTION OF DIGITAL & SMART TECHNOLOGIES.

Smart technologies like IoT, mobile applications, AI/ ML based digital solutions in the
domains of agriculture, healthcare, education, finance and other services would boost the
adoption of digital technologies and expand the technical expertise that is competitively
placed in the international market.
A national electronic health/ education record would be progressively deployed to public
and private healthcare/ educational institutions across the country to integrate Health-
Tech/ EdTech and thus expand the related services to remote areas of the country.

THEMATIC INITIATIVE 2: NATION-WIDE INTERNET ACCESS WITH FOCUS ON LAST MILE HIGH
SPEED BROADBAND.
Breakthrough policy interventions like publication of Spectrum Refarming Framework,
Telecom Infrastructure Sharing Guidelines/Regulations, Spectrum Sharing Framework,
44
 Balanced Space & Satellite Policy Framework, 5G Readiness Plan.
Telecom reforms for better telecom sector health, increased investment in the sector and
introduction of 5G in Pakistan.
Improve in connectivity infrastructure is necessary to have high quality data speeds. To
achieve this, availability of high-speed broadband up to the last-mile availability is
required. For this investment incentives will be worked out in consultation with the stake-
holders to have an internationally competitive infrastructure. This will further enable
attracting international investors and businesses to provide their services in the country.

THEMATIC INITIATIVE 3: KNOWLEDGE PARKS/ INNOVATION LABS/ SPECIALIZED IT CLUSTERS.

IT incubators, innovation labs, knowledge parks and specialized IT clusters will be estab-
lished in collaboration with the private sector and internationally renowned accelerators.
These facilities would be made self-sustainable with all components required to have a
thriving innovative ecosystem.
Specialized IT clusters and parks would be established in second and third tier cities and
towns of the country to enable development of local human capital and have new centers
of innovation and entrepreneurial activities.

THEMATIC INITIATIVE 4: DATA CENTERS, PAYMENT GATEWAYS, INTERNET EXCHANGE PLAT-

FORMS (IXP).
An important part of the national digital infrastructure is to have within country data cen-
tres, payment gateways and internet exchange platforms to have highly responsive servic-
es designed for the national digital ecosystem.
THEMATIC INITIATIVE 5: NATIONAL CYBERSECURITY INITIATIVE.
A holistic national cybersecurity initiative is mandatory with a pervasive national digital
ecosystem. In this respect, cybersecurity policy, rules and regulations will be revisited and
improved upon. Additionally, use of encrypted services, awareness about cyber security
issues and preventive measures would also be made a priority.

STRATEGIC THRUST AREA 3: EASE OF DOING BUSINESS AND ACCESS TO FUNDS

THEMATIC INITIATIVE 1: EMPOWERMENT OF YOUTH, WOMEN AND UNDER-PRIVILEGED SEG-
MENTS.
Initiate specific ICT for Girls’ programs for imparting quality trainings in computer skills,
including software coding, across the country to reduce inequalities, provide decent work
and promote economic growth in line with relevant SDGs. Ensuring equal access to ICTs
will thus reduce inequalities and support gender equality.
Facilitating youth in setting up IT and e-commerce businesses and ensuring better access
to financing their business ventures.

THEMATIC INITIATIVE 2: VENTURE CAPITAL, EQUITY FUNDS/ CAPITAL, FOREIGN/ DOMESTIC

INVESTMENTS.
Provide enabling environment for companies to set up Venture Capital funds, Angel Inves-
tors Network, Private Equity Funds and other support mechanisms for startup/ entrepre-
45
 neurial activities and SMEs.
Provide an enabling environment for international and domestic investors to setup/ estab-
lish funds for domestic startup/ entrepreneurial initiatives on a large scale.
Bank loans and financing facilities for SMEs to conduct of business will be encouraged.
Facilities such as working capital financing, bridge financing, moveable assets as collater-
al for credits/ loans would be designed specifically for IT businesses.

THEMATIC INITIATIVE 3: FACILITATE FOREIGN/ INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES SETUP IN THE

COUNTRY.
Facilitate foreign/ international IT businesses to setup local offices or presence in the
country. Such setups would provide basis to act as ‘business attractor’. For this purpose,
processes will be simplified and compliance conditions to conduct of business will be
improved.

STRATEGIC THRUST AREA 4: POLICIES & REFORMS FOR IMPLE-MENTATION OF

DIGITAL ECOSYSTEM
This Strategic Thrust Area will address to develop innovative policies and implement reforms in vari-
ous domains that will support accelerated business activity in the domestic IT sector. Enabling poli-
cies and reforms go hand-in-hand with the development physical infrastructure, financial/ investment
resources and human capital.

TELECOM POLICY FRAMEWORKS

INTERNET OF THINGS FRAMEWORK: (Completed)
Regulatory Framework for Short Range Devices (SRD) & Terrestrial Internet of Things (IoT) Services is
finalized by Ministry and PTA. The framework is created and introduced as a regulatory tool that facili-
tates IoT service operations. PTA shall start accepting Class Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN)
licensing applications from 31st March 2022.

The framework provides a regulatory mechanism for the industry, to enable the development of IoT
eco-system in Pakistan. This framework aims to accelerate the growth of IoT services to facilitate digi-
tal transformation creating IoT-enabled systems in different sectors to automate operations and
render electronic services to citizens.

IoT is one of the major technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0); it is used to run
smart city systems and digital services such as smart homes, smart meters, transportation etc., there-
by, supporting Government’s vision of Digital Pakistan. The regulatory framework is available at
www.pta.gov.pk

With IOT Framework launched almost nine new IOT SME/Enterprise were granted- nationwide license
in the last one year only.

DRAFT TELECOM INFRASTRUCTURE SHARING FRAMEWORK

Telecom Infrastructure sharing is a broad range term that generally refers to sharing of telecom
network components and associated non electronic and physical structure.

46
Infrastructure sharing concept promotes resource optimization by better utilization of assets, avoiding
duplication of network infrastructure, saves times & cost and accelerate service rollouts. Telecom
network deployment involves heavy CAPEX and OPEX liabilities for operators and is considered as a
major deterrent for network expansions. Furthermore, delays to rolling out network infrastructure,
which are attributed to procuring Right of Ways, operational cost, maintenance cost & Average Reve-
nue Per User are the challenges to licensed operators that shall be addressed.

Infrastructure sharing enables operators to focus on competition in the service layer regardless of the
extent of the sharing. Operators can share whole or strategically passive elements of their network to
share infrastructure costs, while providing acceptable performance. Furthermore, these savings can
facilitate mobile operators’ migration to next generation technologies.

Ministry of IT & Telecommunication and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has finalized the draft
of first ever Infrastructure Sharing framework after multiple consultations with stakeholders and Indus-
try. The draft was also uploaded on Ministry of IT & Telecom’s website for open consultation with stake-
holders.

The Telecom Infrastructure framework is expected to attract two billion USD foreign direct in the next
two to three years in Pakistan.

Now, the final draft is ready to be presented to Economic Coordination Committee for approval
followed by Federal Government’s approval.

5G READINESS PLAN (In progress)

5th Generation Technology Ecosystem readiness plan that is foundation for emerging technologies
AR/VR , Metaverse ,Agri tech , Industrial automation, Autonomous vehicles, Fiber to the Air emerging
technologies to name a few is ultra-high-speed low latency broadband services technology roadmap
that has been prepared by Ministry of Telecom in consultation with World Bank and Industry after mul-
tiple consultation.

The Readiness plan is available on MOITT website. Once commercially launched with digital inclusion
may add 3 to 5 billion USD contribution in the national economy in the next 5 years.

SPECTRUM SHARING FRAMEWORK

The continued rise in data traffic means mobile services rely on access to growing amounts of spec-
trum to meet demand. However, it is increasingly difficult to completely clear new frequency bands for
future mobile use. Spectrum sharing may be a way to help, when clearing a band is not possible, by
enabling mobile access to additional bands in areas.

While spectrum sharing holds potential, it cannot supplant the need for exclusively licensed mobile
spectrum. However, sharing can play a complementary role to traditional spectrum licensing by allow-
ing mobile services to access new bands where there are no other reasonable alternatives.

It is essential to care of frequency bands that suits sharing and select the right sharing framework to
ensure innovative and affordable mobile services. Firstly, the proposed band should provide sufficient
spectrum in areas where mobile operators are seeing growing demand. Secondly, the sharing frame-
47
work should be understandable, usable and tailored to the needs of the users (e.g. certainty of access,
sufficient block sizes etc.).

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has finalized the draft of first ever Frequency Sharing frame-
work after multiple consultations with stakeholders and Industry. The draft will be forwarded to Ministry
of IT & Telecom’s website once Technical Member/Chairman join.

BALANCED SPACE SATELLITE POLICY FRAMEWORK

The space economy is an emerging dimension during the past few years and is expected to grow
rapidly over the next several decades. Morgan Stanley’s Space Team estimates that the global space
industry could surge to over $1 trillion by 2040.

Satellite-based technologies are widely employed in developed countries to provide high quality com-
munications services to remote areas, cut costs, boost productivity, and promote efficiency, and they
are aiding the development of a global economy.

Developing countries are gravitating to satellite-based solutions because they can connect raw mate-
rial suppliers with agents, shippers, importers, merchants, and ultimately customers in widely separat-
ed geographic areas without being constrained by physical distance. Indeed, the benefits of satel-
lite-based communications are being realized in every sector of activity, both private and public.

The telecom sector of Pakistan is on the verge of entering a new era, especially in the regime of satel-
lite. This will open another avenue of benefiting from the space economy through adaptation of satel-
lite-based communications. Communication satellite systems make it possible for rural areas to have
access to voice and internet, as well as to socially useful e/m-services like e/m-learning and
e/m-health, as well as to efficiently deliver broadcast services over large geographic areas.

Currently, Pakistan is using 2,200MHz of its total satellite capacity, of which Pakistani satellites
account for 21% and foreign satellites for the remainder. The new framework shall open up the space
economy and uplift the revenues to domestic satellite operators licensed by PTA. The issue of frequen-
cy dumping and broadband connectivity through foreign satellite operators without domestic pres-
ence shall be addressed.

Considering all above factors, the new Satellite regime framework shall not only provide opportunities
to new market entrant but also shall scale up the domestic space Programme.

FRAMEWORK FOR FREQUENCY SPECTRUM REFARMING

Frequency spectrum is essential for the provision of telecom wireless services. However, spectrum is
also a scarce resource and thus policymakers and regulators need to ensure that it is allocated to the
optimum value of utilization that shall contribute to the economy and society. The refarming of spec-
trum resources is a key process through which this can be achieved.

Given the central role of 5G technology in this decade and beyond, it is important for Pakistan to
develop a short, medium & long-term, forward-looking spectrum roadmap that addresses the future
spectrum needs. In this regard, the establishment of a framework for spectrum refarming is an essen-
tial step that will help Government of Pakistan in timely introduction of new technologies and services
48
for the greater benefit of all citizens and stakeholders in Pakistan.

Ministry of IT & Telecommunication in consultation with Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, Paki-

stan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority, Frequency Allocation Board (FAB), Industry and stakehold-
ers has finalized the draft of first ever framework for frequency spectrum refarming after multiple con-
sultations. Now, the final draft is ready to be presented to Economic Coordination Committee for
approval followed by Federal Government’s approval.

STRATEGIC THRUST AREA 4: POLICIES & REFORMS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF DIG-

ITAL ECOSYSTEM
This Strategic Thrust Area will address to develop innovative policies and implement reforms in vari-
ous domains that will support accelerated business activity in the domestic IT sector. Enabling poli-
cies and reforms go hand-in-hand with the development physical infrastructure, financial/ investment
resources and human capital. Following major thematic initiatives will be part of this strategic thrust
area:
THEMATIC INITIATIVE 1: EASE OF BANKING FOR IT BUSINESSES AND FREELANCERS.
Enhance inward remittance limit for freelancers as well as for IT business to improve the
inflow of foreign exchange.
Provide incentives for export earnings to be used to make payments abroad. An easy
cross-border transaction mechanism through banking channels will help in encouraging
IT businesses to grow rapidly and create more work/ job opportunities inside the country.
Facilitate freelancers in opening bank accounts with easy KYC/ CDD requirements. This will
give encourage e-commerce activity in the country as well.

THEMATIC INITIATIVE 2: TAXATION REFORMS TO ACCELERATE GROWTH OF IT BUSINESSES.

IT industry requires special treatment in taxation to enable large scale investments to be
made for rapid scaling up of businesses. The taxation reforms specific to IT industry will be
made in consultation with the IT industry.
THEMATIC INITIATIVE 3: REFORMING AND IMPLEMENTING LEGAL PROVISIONS FOR INTELLEC-
TUAL PROPERTY, COPYRIGHT PROTECTION, AND CONTRACT AGREEMENTS.
Laws relating to Intellectual Property Rights, Data Protection and Privacy and Contractual
Obligations and Conflict Resolution will be reviewed and improved upon to encourage
more trust in the legal system of the country by international businesses.

THEMATIC INITIATIVE 4: DIGITAL INCLUSIVITY (GENDER BALANCING, RURAL COMMUNITIES

EMPOWERMENT).
Policies will be improved and new policies introduced to empower women, rural commu-
nities and special persons specially in the use of digital technologies. This will help in
expanding the inclusivity realm.

THEMATIC INITIATIVE 5: PRIVACY AND SECURITY:

A move towards digitalization also represents a significant challenge in terms of ensuring
privacy and security due to emerging threats. To protect information and information
49
 systems, it is necessary to have in place robust national level legislation addressing all
areas pertaining to privacy and security.

National Cyber Security Policy: Cyber-attacks and cyber breaches pose a serious threat
to the cyber space of Pakistan. To prevent these threats, National Cyber Security Policy
2021 was made to secure and govern the cyber space of Pakistan. This policy will ensure
that the required framework is in place to not only deter the ongoing attacks but also
proactively engage in discouraging future attacks.

Pakistan Cloud First Policy: The policy will result in optimized utilization of resources,
reduction in ICT expenditure and increased coordination between public sector entities for
their ICT related initiatives. The policy is successfully approved by the Cabinet during Feb-
ruary 2022.

Personal Data Protection Bill: The preparation of this bill is a landmark achievement and
will pave way for evolution of digital ecosystem in Pakistan by bringing in investment in the
field of Information and Communication Technologies. The bill has already been approved
in principally by the Cabinet during Year 2022 and in process for further consultations.

Cyber Security Act: Subsequent to National Cyber Policy, Ministry of IT is working on

Cyber Security Act which is in initial phase of drafting.

EMPOWERMENT
Youth, women and differently abled people

INTRODUCTION
Pakistan has a significant young population, 63% of its citizens under 30. To address the needs of
these young people, the Prime Minister has announced several initiatives, including the National
Youth Internship Program, which will provide 60,000 paid internships to graduates, and the establish-
ment of 250 vocational training centers. Additionally, 250 mini sports complexes, Pakistan Innovation
Fund, a Youth Council and a Youth Unit at MoPD&SI are being established to promote youth empower-
ment.

However, gender inequality remains a significant issue in Pakistan, ranking 153rd out of 156 countries
on the Global Gender Gap Index 2021. The government has outlined strategic objectives for improv-
ing the status of women, including providing access to education and employment opportunities (Na-
tional Gender Policy Framework), improving mobility (Women On Wheels), and increasing
representation in decision-making positions (Gender Unit).

50
SITUATION ANALYSIS
With nearly sixty four percent population below the age of 29, Pakistan is one of the youngest coun-
tries in the world. This large youth bulge offers the country a golden opportunity to benefit from a
potential “demographic dividend” while simultaneously raising the challenge of providing adequate
services, jobs and engagement opportunities. While Pakistan has made considerable progress in
improving the state of socio-economic development of young people over the years, the overall pace
of progress has been slow compared to other developing countries. Indicators of human development
including education levels, access to employment opportunities, political participation, health and
well-being indicate that Pakistani youth face multiple challenges in accessing basic services, secur-
ing gainful employment opportunities and participating in social and political processes.

Despite having the 9th largest workforce in the world, Pakistan’s youth employment is among the
lowest in the South Asian countries. The disconnect between the skills set of young people and the
demands of industry are a major contributor to high youth unemployment. Furthermore, there are
considerable disparities within the youth cohort based on gender, location (urban/rural, provincial),
income status and physical ability. Poor, differently abled, female and rural youth face greater chal-
lenges in accessing socio-economic and political opportunities and services. Sensitivity to the needs
of marginalized youth such as differently abled young people is critical for inclusive and sustainable
development of the nation.

In addition to age, gender is a major dimension of social inequality and exclusion. Although succes-
sive governments have taken a number of progressive steps to promote basic human rights, protect
girls and women against discrimination and violence and address drivers of gender-based discrimi-
nation, the pace of progress on gender equality remains slow compared to other developing nations.
Women constitute 48.7 percent of the total population of the country. Yet they face discrepancies in
accessing health, education, financial, and legal services and participating in social and political
decision-making processes. The result is that Pakistan consistently ranks low on most global indices
measuring the state of gender equality. According to Global Gender Gap Index report 2021, Pakistan
has a huge gender disparity in terms of economic participation . The indicators for political participa-
tion are more promising , yet there is considerable room for development in this sphere as well. Gen-
der-based disparities persist in health , education , income and employment opportunities , social
protection , personal security , control over assets and participation in decision-making processes .
Additionally, women shoulder the burden of unpaid care and domestic work, further reflecting harmful
and restrictive social norms. Violence against women and differently abled girls is also rampant,
which spikes further during natural calamities and disasters.

STRATEGIC VISION AND OBJECTIVES

The Government of Pakistan recognizes the crucial role of young people and women in the country’s
socio-economic development and prosperity. Provision of greater opportunities for the empowerment,
development and engagement of youth, women, differently-abled people and other marginalized
social groups lies at the core of the Government’s approach to achieve the Vision 2025 and Sustaina-
ble Development Goals (SDGs). The Government’s approach to youth and women empowerment is
informed and guided by four Es:
51
 EMPLOYMENT ENTREPRENEURSHIP

EDUCATION ENGAGEMENT

4ES
While ensuring quality education, gainful employment, youth entrepreneurship and meaningful
social and political engagement remain the key pillars of the Government’s strategy, inclusion is a
cross-cutting priority, which has been integrated across all pillars. For key initiatives under each pillar,
quotas have been fixed, where possible, for girls, women, trans-genders, differently-abled persons and
youth from least-developed regions and provinces. Moreover, the Government has also launched
several initiatives specifically designed for women, transgenders and differently-abled persons.

Furthermore, the Government is keen to harness the unlimited potential of Information and Communi-
cation Technology (ICT) in empowering youth, women and other marginalized social groups. ICT is a
critical enabler in creating opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship, accessing basic
services, and participation in social and political processes. Equipping young people with digital skills
and providing them access to finance and information is crucial to enable them to navigate and lever-
age the rapidly changing world.

The following short-term and medium-term goals will help turn the afore-mentioned vision into reality:
Facilitate and accelerate school-to-work transition of young people.
Increase the employability, marketability and work-readiness of youth, women, transgender,
and differently abled people by equipping them with high-demand soft and hard skills.
Modernise the public sector technical and vocational training regime and integrate skills
training in general education systems.
Prepare young graduates for taking up leadership positions in the economic and political
spheres.
Break down and address barriers to entry in labour market faced by young people, women
and other marginalized social groups.
End gender-based violence and mainstream gender protection across systems, policies,
processes, and programs.
Integrate and mainstream social inclusion and gender lens across systems, policies and
processes.
Leverage the role of ICT in creating opportunities for socio-economic and political empower-
ment of young people and women.
Provide digital skills and gadgets to young people to help them navigate the digital world and
create self-learning and self-employment opportunities.
52
 FLAGSHIP INITIATIVES
THE GOVERNMENT’S INITIATIVES FOR YOUTH FOCUSES ON
4 KEY AREAS

EDUCATION EMPLOYMENT ENTREPRENEURSHIP ENGAGEMENT

Upgradation & Skills Development Interest-free & Youth Councils &

Capacity Enhancement Programs. Subsidized Loans to Networks.
of Existing Universities. Young People.
'Champions of
Expansion of Univer- Upgradation of TVET Reforms' Network.
sitiy Campuses. Institutes. Innovation Fund for
Young Entrepreneurs Construction of New
Scholarship Opportuni- & Startups. Sports Complexes.
Paid Internship and
ties for Students from
Apprenticeship Sports Talent Hunt
Marginalized
Opportunities. Mentorship and Schemes &
Backgrounds.
Counselling Support. Competitions.
Overseas Scholarship Career Counselling
Schemes. and Mentorship Strengthening of Digital Youth Hubs.
Youth Laptop Scheme. Networks. Existing Incubation Youth Leadership
Centers. Awards.
Grants to Promote Enabling Environment
Research and Develop- for Private Sector Job Youth Unit.
ment (R&D) in Creation.
Services portal &
Universities. access to information
initiatives

TVET Reforms and Youth Skill Development

The TVET regime will be revamped and modernized through revision and upgradation of
trades, curriculum, teaching practices, certification and infrastructure. Advancements in tech-
nology will be harnessed to revise trades and curricula and improve the quality of TVET train-
ing. Furthermore, NAVTTC is building linkages and partnerships with foreign organizations and
governments to meet their growing need for skilled labour.

75 Scholarships for Top-ranked 25 International Universities

The government has announced 75 National Top Talent Scholarships Programme whereby Rs
4.7 billion have been allocated, with the intent to provide Pakistani students with Master and
Ph.D. degrees in the top 25 universities of the world. These scholarships will assist students
from low-income families in receiving higher education, improve intellectual capabilities, and
increase human capital.
53
Overseas Scholarship for MS/M. Phil leading to Ph.D.
To overcome the shortage of highly- qualified faculty in Pakistani universities, the government
has allocated PKR 20 billion for PhD scholarships with the aim of faculty development. Under
this project, 854 MS/ M.Phil leading to PhD Scholarships will be awarded in the fields of engi-
neering and technology.

Ba-Salahiyat Naujawan Internship Program

To enhance the employability of young graduates, the National Youth Internship Program is
designed to provide 60,000 internships to recent graduates from various fields. This paid
on-the-job training will equip fresh graduates and students with the skills and experience
demanded by the labor market. A special scheme of 10,000 internships for Balochistan has
been approved as well.

Young Development Fellows (YDFs)

Under the MOPDSI, 40 young professionals will work with the government under various social
and technological sectors for a period of 1 year. The YDFs will actively engage in the policy-
making process, giving valuable insights and gaining valuable experience to excel in Paki-
stan’s development sector.

Upgradation of 250 TVET Centers

The problem of lack of specialized training institutions is addressed by the planned establish-
ment of 250 vocational institutes. TVET centers will focus on in-demand skills trainings having
maximum potential for employment. These trainings will improve hi-tech abilities, foreign
languages, and soft skills. A formal graduation ceremony will be held to acknowledge the
graduates of these vocational institutes.
Pakistan Innovation Fund
The Prime Minister has also announced the establishment of Pakistan Innovation Fund for
which Rs 10 billion have been allocated in PSDP 2022-23, with the aim to prepare a frame-
work for effective innovation policy for the country including identification of factors that lead
to positive and effective innovative regulatory processes.
54
National Innovation Award
The National Innovation Award is an opportunity for young entrepreneurs to present their inno-
vative ideas related to 8 thematic areas with a specific focus on eco-Innovation. The teams
and ideas selected through regional and national competitions will be engaged with the
private sector and startup industry. The selected teams and ideas will also get scholarships
and training. This competition will help in promoting startup culture and generating sustaina-
ble and green jobs.

Prime Minister’s Youth Business & Agricultural Loan Scheme

PMYB&ALS will promote entrepreneurship among youth by providing business loans on
simple terms and with less markup through 15 Commercial, Islamic and SME banks. All Paki-
stani residents, aged between 21 and 45 years with entrepreneurial potential will be eligible
to apply for the loan. The age limit will be even lower for IT/ E-Commerce related businesses
i.e., 18 years to encourage greater uptake of IT by the youth. The loans provided will be segre-
gated into 3 tiers. The amount of loan would range between PKR 0.5 million and 7.5 million.

Youth Leadership Awards

Youth Leadership Awards will be given to recognize leadership qualities and appreciate initia-
tives undertaken by those under 35 years of age. These awards will foster innovation and
entrepreneurship within the country.

Young Peace Development Corps (YPDC)

Under the Young Peace Development Corps, the government create networks within universi-
ties which help enhance critical thinking skills and state-citizen trust.

Youth Unit
The MODPSI will launch a Youth Unit that will be dedicated specifically to the cause of youth
empowerment.

Youth Summit
MOPDSI will organize a summit for the youth for university students across Pakistan. The
summit will engage youth in key policy areas to create insights to inform policy and future
plans.

Green Youth Movement

The Green Youth Movement (GYM) will enable the youth in the country to spearhead sustain-
able development and green growth in the country. The government will establish model
green campuses-living labs for the promotion of best practices in renewable energy, waste
management, water conservation, air quality maintenance, forestation/plantation, and
eco-tourism.

Talent Hunt Youth Sports League (THYSL)

Through Talent Hunt Youth Sports League (THYSL), the government will engage the youth of
Pakistan in healthy physical activities through sports in Collaboration with Higher Education
Commission (HEC). Sports can play a critical role in transforming the youth into a self-confi-
dent, organized, and capable workforce that can bring positive social change and economic
55
well-being in the country. The program will include 12 games namely Badminton, Boxing,
Cricket, Football, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Squash, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Weightlifting and
Wrestling.

250 Mini Sport Complexes

To cater to and support different capabilities of the youth, 250 Mini Sport Complexes will also
be established for which Rs 1,000 million have been allocated in PSDP 2022-23.

Registration of Youth Organizations

This Programme is formally initiating the process of getting nominations of the youth led
groups and organizations to facilitate productive engagement of young people for the promo-
tion of national cohesion and inclusion.

FLAGSHIP INITIATIVES FOR EMPOWERMENT OF

WOMEN, DIFFERENTLY-ABLED PERSONS AND OTHER
MARGINALIZED GROUPS
NATIONAL GENDER POLICY FRAMEWORK
National Gender Policy Framework sets strategic priorities aimed at empowering women
and girls, in different domains considering the current and emerging challenges and
opportunities. Priority domains for National Transformative Gender Agenda include gen-
der-transformative governance structures, closing the gender gap in primary and second-
ary education in partnership with the private sector, strategies to equip women with
employable & high-income skills, equitable access to qualification-appropriate employ-
ment opportunities, gender-responsive health services, empowering women and creating
leadership pathways, and integrating women-protective measures across all programs.

WOMEN ON WHEELS
The Women on Wheels project will facilitate women’s mobility by providing motorbikes
and scooters to women at subsidized rates and training them to drive them.

WOMEN SUMMIT
The government will organize a women centric summit to promote collaboration among
women across various industries and fostering entrepreneurship.

GENDER UNIT
A gender unit will be established at the Ministry of
Planning and Development to review development
project proposals from a gender equity perspective
and integrate gender equity into the design of the
development projects.
56
QUOTAS FOR WOMEN
Various development initiatives will have quota for women to encourage their participa-
tion. For instance, in the Ba-Salahiyat Naujawan Program, a 40% share has been intro-
duced for females to encourage their labor force participation.

ESTABLISHMENT OF TRANSGENDER PROTECTION CENTRE

The Centre will ensure the rights of the transgender community, emphasizing that mem-
bers of the community should be provided the same employment and health facilities as
other citizens of the country. The Transgender Protection Centre would provide legal aid,
basic health facilities, psychological counseling, and temporary shelter as well.

UP-GRADATION OF NATIONAL SPECIAL EDUCATION

The Government will establish a Centre for Hearing Impaired Children from Higher Second-
ary to Graduation Level, in Islamabad & a National Institute of Special Education in Certifi-
cate awarding institution in Islamabad.

MoFEPT’s Distance education initiatives creating inclusiveness for females through acceler-
ated learning pathways, teacher training, skill based learning and foundational learning
programmes.

ESTABLISHMENT OF ORTHOPEDIC WORKSHOP AT NA-

TIONAL SPECIAL EDUCATION CENTRE FOR PHYSICALLY
HANDICAPPED CHILDREN, ISLAMABAD
This project has been transferred to the non-development side.

ESTABLISHMENT OF A RESOURCE UNIT FOR AUTISTIC

CHILDREN AT THE NATIONAL SPECIAL EDUCATION
CENTRE FOR MR CHILDREN, ISLAMABAD
This project has been transferred to the non-development side.

FORMULATION OF NATIONAL POLICY FRAMEWORK FOR

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
This Policy Framework will create a strong coordination mechanism within government
departments for the development and monitoring of the policies that protect the rights of
persons with disabilities. This should be available at both the federal and provincial levels.

57
 FLAGSHIP E-GOVERNANCE AND TRANSPARENCY
INITIATIVES

PRIME MINISTER’S
LAPTOP SCHEME
The Prime Minister’s Youth Laptop Scheme will provide technological access to young
and talented students studying in public sector higher education institutes across the
country including AJK and GB. Rs. 10,827.28 million have been allocated for this pro-
ject where 100,000 laptops would be distributed among meritorious students in two
years.

GOVERNANCE INNOVATION LAB

The establishment of a governance Innovation Lab (GovInLab) will promote
innovation by creating a collaborative community of multi-disciplinary experts
to identify problems, brainstorm solutions and implement public sector reforms.
It envisages enhancing "inclusive, responsive, and transparent" governance in
Pakistan.

CHAMPIONS OF REFORMS NETWORK

Champions of Reforms (COR) Network will bring together professional
Pakistani citizens to contribute towards structural and sustainable gov-
ernance reforms. COR will be a virtual network with membership open
to Pakistani citizens residing across the global.

SERVICES.GOV.PK
The government’s services portal servic-
es.gov.pk will provide guidelines and tutorials
about government’s services.

58
 MOBILE APP
Prime Minister's Youth Programme Mobile App is a plat-
form to discover the world of opportunities. Youth will be
able to find job opportunities, career counselling, and all
the information related to different initiatives of the
Prime Minister's Youth Programme in a single mobile
application.

DIGITAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

CENTERS
The Youth Development Centers will act as one
stop-shops for university students for necessary
information, counselling, and resources through a
single window system.

59
ENVIRONMENT
Water and Food Security
INTRODUCTION
Pakistan faces significant challenges in
ensuring the sustainability of its envi-
ronment, water resources, and food
security. In recent years, the impacts of
climate change have worsened these
challenges, and urgent action is
needed to address them. This chapter
provides a comprehensive overview of
the current situation in Pakistan in
terms of environment, water resources,
and food security. It outlines the gov-
ernment's response to these challeng-
es and the initiatives being taken to
mitigate the effects of climate change,
enhance efficiency of water use, pro-
mote sustainable agriculture, reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, manage
water pollution, land degradation, and
improve water management. Addition-
ally, the chapter outlines initiatives
being taken to enhance resilience,
rehabilitate infrastructure, and ensure
food security.
SITUATION ANALYSIS
Pakistan ranks as the eighth most vulnerable country on the Climate Risk Index 2021.1 Moreover,
Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change is expected to increase further as Pakistan’s projected rise
in temperature is 5.3 degrees Celsius, higher than the global average of 3.7 degrees Celsius in the
same Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenario.

Climate Change is a risk multiplier for developing countries such as Pakistan. It exacerbates
pre-existing threats and other drivers of instability, contributing to security risks including water, food
and energy security. Pakistan has experienced extreme consequences of climate change, including
frequent heatwaves, floods, and droughts. Climatic variability and probability of extreme events is on
the rise as witnessed in the unprecedented floods in 2022. The flood affected approximately 33
million people. The Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) of the 2022 floods reported that Pakistan
suffered total damages of more than US$14.9 billion and economic losses of around US$15.2 billion,
amounting to 4.8% of the FY22 gross GDP. 2

Due to rising population and lack of water resource governance, Pakistan is soon to face a water
security crisis. The per capita availability of surface water has declined from 5,260 cubic meters
annually in 1951 to approximately 1,000 cubic meters in 2016. Projections indicate that by 2025, this
figure may decline further to around 860 cubic meters, signifying Pakistan's shift from a "wa-
ter-stressed" to a "water-scarce" nation.

Moreover, the frequency of droughts has increased over the past decade, posing immediate food
security risks. 3 Drought impacts result from declines in crop yield and livestock productivity, threaten-
ing the livelihoods of agriculture-dependent households, thereby increasing the risk of hunger and
poverty for vulnerable populations. Additionally, increased frequency of droughts leads to land degra-
dation and a decline in groundwater reserves, exacerbating water stress-related risks, particularly the
availability of safe drinking water. Climate change, heatwaves, floods, and droughts are threatening
Pakistan's primarily subsistence-based, irrigated agriculture sector. Consequently, in the last two
years, the country has imported $1.77 billion worth of wheat, leading to increased imported inflation
despite its traditional self-sufficiency. The unstable supply chains caused by the Ukraine War under-
score the importance of greater self-sufficiency.

Early identification and an efficient disaster governance architecture is critical for risk mitigation.
Pakistan has implemented that includes the National Disaster Management Authority and Provincial
and District Disaster Management Authorities. The Federal Flood Commission is responsible for flood
control in the country, while the National Disaster Risk Management Framework outlines priorities for
action over five years. Despite these efforts, challenges remain regarding disaster preparedness and
response, particularly at the district level and in terms of community awareness and education which
signifies the need of a comprehensive disaster governance architecture.

A comprehensive National Climate Finance Framework is essential to achieve mitigation and

1
Germanwatch. (2021). Global Climate Risk Index 2021.
2
Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives. (2022). Pakistan Floods 2022: Post-Disaster Needs Assessment. Asian
Development Bank, European Union, United Nations Development Programme, World Bank.
3
Ministry of Water Resources, Government of Pakistan. (2018). National Water Policy 2018

62
adaptation targets. Risks associated with extreme climate-related events, air pollution, and environ-
mental degradation are anticipated to reduce Pakistan’s GDP by 18 to 20% by the year 2050. It is esti-
mated that the total investment of USD 348 billion is required for climate response between 2023 and
2030. Additionally, to achieve full implementation of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs),
Pakistan would require a total cost of nearly USD 200 billion. 4

STRATEGIC VISION AND PRIORITIES

Climate Responsive Public Investment: Pakistan is screening public investments for climate
impact and revising Public Investment Manuals to enforce climate considerations in public
projects. Similarly, a green budget tagging exercise is underway to track climate response
funds allocation. A comprehensive 4RF strategy has been developed for flood recovery and
systemic resilience.
Climate Finance: Government of Pakistan has launched coordinated diplomacy efforts to
mobilize international climate finance for a just transition to a climate resilient nation. At COP
27, Pakistan led a strong case based on climate justice and became a pathfinder country of
the Loss and Damage Fund (Pathfinder countries, which include Bangladesh, Costa Rica, Fiji,
Ghana, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Senegal, will receive support to address financial and
social protection needs in response to climate change impacts.). Pakistan convened a climate
conference in Geneva to mobilize international development finance for climate resilience. A
Disaster Risk Strategy is also being developed to provide risk instruments and contingent credit
facilities such as parametric insurance and/or catastrophe bonds. Similarly, climate and nature
performance bonds will be explored.
Resilient Cities: The Government aims to strengthen air and water pollution control. Climate
smart municipal services will be used for mitigation and adaptation targets. Nature based
Solutions (NbS) and Green infrastructure will be prioritized in disaster-prone areas with Green
Infrastructure used for flood Control and groundwater recharge. Community engagement will
be strengthened to achieve systemic resilience.
Food Security: Modernization of irrigation and drainage systems will focus on climate-resilient,
predictable, and flexible services in response to changing demand. Bringing the 20.3 Million
acres of uncultivated, yet fertile land, under cultivation through climate smart agriculture will
be prioritized for ensuring food security.
Water Governance: To ensure medium-term water security, a strategic priority is the imple-
mentation of sustainable groundwater governance through Provincial Water Acts. Another area
of priority is rationalizing water pricing. The focus is on developing a comprehensive water
pricing policy and promoting public-private partnerships for effective water management and
conservation.
Knowledge Partnerships: Support for national climate change research centers will be

4
World Bank Group. (2022). Country and Climate Development Report.

63
 increased, with an emphasis on regional and global cooperation among governments, climate
science research organizations, and other stakeholders.
Strengthen Community Based Resilience and Adaptation: The government has prioritized
community-based initiatives that empower local populations to adapt to the changing climate
and build resilience to future shocks. This approach strategizes capacity building, aware-
ness-raising, and the promotion of nature-based solutions and green interventions to promote
integrated flood risk management, disaster risk management and climate readiness.

FLAGSHIP INITIATIVES
Environment, Climate Change, and
Disaster Governance Initiatives

01

INITIATIVE(S)

Food Security
Initiatives
02 03 Water Governance
and Infrastructure Initiatives

01 ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE, AND DISASTER GOVERNANCE INITIATIVES

This section presents a comprehensive overview of the various initiatives by the Government of
Pakistan to address the pressing challenges of environmental degradation, climate change, and
disaster risk management.

The Sindh Water and Agriculture Transforma-

1 Clean Green Pakistan Initiative 9 tion Project

The Sindh Strengthening Social Protection

2 National Clean Air Policy (NCAP) 2023 10 Delivery System Project

3 Decarbonization of Transport Sector 11 Community based Resilience and Adaptation

Coordinated Governance Architecture for

4 REDD+ Initiative 12 Disaster Risk Reduction

5 Catastrophe Modeling for Disaster Risk Finance 13 The Sindh Coastal Resilience Project (SCRP)

Climate Responsive Public Investment - Green Job Creation Through Ecosystem

6 4RF Strategy 14 Restoration

The Sindh Flood Emergency Rehabilitation

7 Project 15 Biodiversity Conservation

The Sindh Floods Emergency Housing Recon-

8 struction Project 16 Green Infrastructure for Resilient Cities

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1. CLEAN GREEN PAKISTAN INITIATIVE
The initiative focuses on promoting sustainable development, reducing pollution, and conserv-
ing natural resources. The Clean Green Pakistan initiative includes several programs, such as
tree planting campaigns, waste management initiatives, and efforts to promote the use of
renewable energy sources. The initiative also aims to raise awareness among the public about
environmental issues and the importance of protecting the environment.
2. NATIONAL CLEAN AIR POLICY (NCAP) 2023
The National Clear Policy was approved by the Federal government with the aim to improve air
quality in the country by reducing pollution. The policy aims to provide a comprehensive frame-
work for improving air quality in Pakistan, with particular focus on implementing national-scale
actions that would lead to measurable improvements. With this policy in place, the government
is poised to make significant progress in the fight against air pollution in Pakistan, with major
objectives being reducing annual deaths and trans-boundary pollution, improving the health
of Pakistani citizens, with a positive impact on the country’s economic activity.

National Clean Air Policy has identified one priority intervention in each of the five major air
polluting sectors: transport, industry, agriculture, waste, and residential. The successful imple-
mentation of these five priority interventions is expected to make a substantial contribution to
improving air quality, reducing emissions by 81 percent in 2040, compared to the baseline
scenario, and by 70 percent compared to 2020 levels.

3. DECARBONIZATION OF TRANSPORT SECTOR

The Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy, launched in 2019, plays a significant role in the decarboniza-
tion of the transport sector. This policy aims to reduce the country's dependence on fossil fuels
and promote the use of cleaner energy sources in transportation. To achieve this, the policy
offers incentives for both manufacturers and buyers of electric vehicles, such as tax exemp-
tions, reduced import duties, and financing options. It also encourages the development of
charging infrastructure nationwide, with a goal of establishing 100,000 charging stations by
2030. Furthermore, the policy emphasizes the importance of utilizing renewable energy sourc-
es like solar and wind power to charge electric vehicles, contributing to a more sustainable and
low-carbon transport sector.

4. REDD+ INITIATIVE
REDD+ initiative was launched with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from
deforestation and forest degradation. The initiative aims to promote sustainable forest man-
agement, enhance carbon stocks in forests, and increase the participation of local communi-
ties in forest conservation efforts. The REDD+ initiative also aims to address the drivers of
deforestation, such as illegal logging and land-use change, and promote alternative livelihood
options for communities living in and around forests. Pakistan's REDD+ initiative is aligned with
the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and has received
support from international organizations such as the World Bank and the Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO). The initiative is expected to play a crucial role in reducing carbon emis-
sions in Pakistan and contributing to global efforts to address climate change.

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5. CATASTROPHE MODELING FOR DISASTER RISK FINANCE
This flagship program aims to promote olive cultivation on 50,000 acres by developing infra-
structure and capThe development of the Natural Catastrophe (NatCat) Model is a key initiative
undertaken by NDRMF in collaboration with SUPRACO. This model is designed to quantify the
extent of primary natural hazards, such as floods, droughts, tropical cyclones, and earthquakes,
as well as vulnerability and risk assessment, and loss estimation. The NatCat Model combines
historical disaster data with current demographic, infrastructure, scientific, and financial infor-
mation to determine the potential cost of catastrophes for specified geographic areas. By simu-
lating the physical characteristics of thousands of potential catastrophes and projecting their
effects on residential, commercial property, and critical infrastructure, the model informs users
on the likelihood and intensity of future events. acity for mass-scale production of true-to-type,
disease-free olive nursery plants in the public and private sectors.
6. CLIMATE RESPONSIVE PUBLIC INVESTMENT - 4RF STRATEGY
The 4RF Strategy, aimed at addressing the impacts of the 2022 floods, aligns with the strategic
vision and priorities of Pakistan, particularly in areas such as Climate Responsive Public Invest-
ment, Coordinated Disaster Governance Architecture, Systemic Resilience and Adaptation, and
Nature-based Solutions. The 4RF Strategy's focus on the rehabilitation and reconstruction of
community infrastructure, such as irrigation, roads, WASH, primary health, and education, sup-
ports the strategic priority of Climate Responsive Public Investment. By investing in these sec-
tors, the government is working to build a more resilient and sustainable infrastructure system
that can better withstand climate change impacts.

The 4RF Strategy's emphasis on livelihoods support, including livestock restocking, cash com-
pensation, horticulture support for farmers, climate-smart agriculture, youth internships, and
natural resource restoration and reforestation, aligns with the strategic priority of Systemic
Resilience and Adaptation. Lastly, the 4RF Strategy's focus on natural resource restoration and
reforestation connects with the strategic priority of Nature-based Solutions. By investing in the
restoration of ecosystems and the promotion of green infrastructure, the strategy aims to
protect communities from climate extremes like floods and enhance overall climate resilience.

Moreover, in response to the Post Flood 2022 scenario, the Government of Pakistan has initiat-
ed several flagship projects aimed at enhancing resilience, rehabilitating infrastructure, and
ensuring food security for its citizens. Among these initiatives are:

Resilience Enhancement and Livelihood Diversification in Balochistan.

Reconstruction & Rehabilitation of Irrigation Infrastructure at Balochistan.
On-farm water management component at Balochistan.
Reconstruction & Rehabilitation of Irrigation, Drainage System and flood protection works
in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa .
Structural measures under Flood Protection Sector Project-III amounting to Rs. 159 Billion.
Restoration of Flood Damages at Kachhi Canal, RBOD-I and RBOD-III.
Kachhi Canal Project Phase-II aiming to irrigate 267,000 acres for food security.
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7. THE SINDH FLOOD EMERGENCY REHABILITATION PROJECT
The project aims to rehabilitate damaged infrastructure, provide short-term livelihood opportu-
nities, and strengthen government capacity to respond to disasters. By restoring and improving
crucial irrigation and flood protection infrastructure, water supply schemes, roads, and related
infrastructure, the project will benefit at least 2 million people, approximately 50% of whom are
women, in the most flood-affected districts. A community-level cash-for-work program will offer
short-term income support to about 100,000 households, including semi-skilled and unskilled
labor, and support livestock restocking for affected smallholder livestock farmers.
8. THE SINDH FLOODS EMERGENCY HOUSING RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT
The project will support owner-driven, multi-hazard resilient reconstruction of core housing
units. A housing subsidy will provide reconstruction and restoration grants for 350,000 housing
units, which constitutes nearly 20% of Sindh's total housing rehabilitation needs. Cash grants
will be offered for houses with structural damage to partially finance reconstruction or restora-
tion efforts. Furthermore, basic rainwater harvesting systems and twin pit latrines will be provid-
ed to improve access to water and sanitation.
9. THE SINDH WATER AND AGRICULTURE TRANSFORMATION PROJECT
The project aims to increase agricultural water productivity, improve integrated water resources
management, and restore crop production for flood-affected farmers. Over 385,000 house-
holds (approximately 1.9 million people) are anticipated to benefit from the project. As an
immediate response to the floods, the project will provide cash transfers to around 300,000
flood-affected farming households, helping them restore crop production through the
purchase of seeds, fertilizers, and other essential inputs. In the medium term, about 70,000
households will benefit from enhanced irrigation services and agricultural support designed to
boost farming income. Approximately 14,000 households are expected to receive direct finan-
cial benefits from pilot smart subsidy schemes targeting small- and medium-sized farmers.

10. THE SINDH STRENGTHENING SOCIAL PROTECTION DELIVERY SYSTEM PROJECT

The project aims to strengthen social protection delivery and improve access to mother and
child health services in Sindh province. The project will provide conditional cash transfers to
1.3 million mothers and their children in the bottom 15 districts of Sindh, selected based on
the Multidimensional Poverty Index, to support improved maternal and child health outcomes.
This will help mitigate the impact of the floods on food security and enable continued use of
maternal and children health services. The project is expected to cover 65 percent of the total
flood-affected areas in the province and will also support alignment and connectivity with the
Federal National Database Registration Authority.

11. COMMUNITY BASED RESILIENCE AND ADAPTATION

The project aims to enhance the quality and utilization of essential health and nutrition servic-
es for reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health. Additionally, it will focus
on rehabilitating and reconstructing the health infrastructure that was damaged by the floods,
which disrupted the delivery of these critical services. By doing so, the project will improve
access to quality healthcare for vulnerable populations, including women, girls, and children,
residing in remote and peri-urban areas and those affected by floods in Sindh.
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12. COORDINATED GOVERNANCE ARCHITECTURE FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION
The Coordinated Governance Architecture for Disaster Risk Reduction aims to enhance com-
munity resilience by improving climate and hydro-meteorological services and addressing vari-
ous shocks, such as climate-related risks, health crises, food security issues, and natural disas-
ters.
The Pakistan Hydromet and Climate Services Project (PHSCP): seeks to strengthen the
capacity of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) to align with World Meteoro-
logical Organization (WMO) international standards. This directly supports the Coordinat-
ed Disaster Governance Architecture priority by enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness
of Early Warning Systems, which will ultimately improve disaster response and coordina-
tion.
The process of consultation for the revision of the National Disaster Management Act
(NDMA) 2010 is currently underway, involving relevant stakeholders and line Ministries
to ensure that the updated legislation effectively addresses the evolving challenges posed
by climate change and disaster risk reduction. The revision of the NDMA Act 2010 aims to
improve the governance architecture for disaster risk reduction by streamlining deci-
sion-making processes, enhancing coordination among various levels of government and
relevant agencies, to develop a more comprehensive and proactive approach to manag-
ing natural hazards and protecting vulnerable populations.
13. THE SINDH COASTAL RESILIENCE PROJECT (SCRP)
The project focuses on promoting integrated water management and climate resilience
through various approaches. It emphasizes strengthening water resources management,
drainage, and flood risk infrastructure in coastal regions, enhancing natural protective buffers
by supporting the planting of mangroves and salt-tolerant species, and engaging communities
for sustainable forest management. It also targets poor and vulnerable households by provid-
ing vocational training, asset creation, entrepreneurship development, and support for produc-
er organizations and public-private partnerships. Lastly, the project supports strategic action
planning for the coastal region by building capacity in key departments and stakeholders for
integrated planning, including climate change resilience, and the development of action plans
and coastal zone management strategies.

14. GREEN JOB CREATION THROUGH ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION

This initiative focuses on increasing forest cover, promoting energy plantation on private lands,
and supporting apiculture projects for rural employment. By enhancing ecosystem health and
resilience, this initiative contributes to sustainable economic development and climate mitiga-
tion, while also ensuring that communities can better withstand climate change impacts and
adapt to changing conditions.

15. BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

The Biodiversity Conservation initiative is focused on protecting and conserving wildlife,
improving groundwater tables, and rehabilitating fish biodiversity in Punjab and Balochistan.
The Integrated Conservation program in Punjab and the Biodiversity Project in Balochistan aim
to restore and manage biodiversity hotspots, while also developing livelihood and employment
opportunities for local communities.
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 16. GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR RESILIENT CITIES
The project emphasizes the development of green infrastructure and encompasses a wide
range of interventions, including urban forests, community ponds, nature-based watershed
management, and wastewater management. Alongside these efforts, the project also supports
climate finance, circular economy, social entrepreneurship, clean energy access, zero plastic
waste cities, legislative measures, protected areas, eco-tourism, heritage sites, resilient agricul-
ture, permaculture, salinity control, and sustainable aquaculture. By targeting the region where
90% of Pakistan's population resides and which contributes over three-quarters of the coun-
try's economy, the Living Indus Project aims to foster sustainable and resilient urban develop-
ment through ecosystem-based adaptation, ensuring the well-being of both the environment
and the people living in these cities.

01 FOOD SECURITY INITIATIVES

The government is committed to safeguarding the nation's food supply by implementing
climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices. The following initiatives aim to enhance
crop yields, and diversify agricultural production to better adapt to climate variability and ensure
food security:

1 Productivity Enhancement of Sugarcane 10 Biological Pest/Insect Control

Aeroponics Technology for Potato Seed

2 Productivity Enhancement of Wheat 11 Production

Upscaling of Bio-saline Agriculture

3 Productivity Enhancement of Rice 12 Ummerkot Model

Establishment of Seed Certification Services in

4 Southern Balochistan 13 Aquaculture Enhancement Programs

Promotion of Olive Cultivation on Commercial National Peste Des Petits Ruminants (PPR)
5 Scale in Pakistan (Phase-II) 14 Eradication Programme

National program for Animal Disease

6 Regenerative Agriculture 15 Surveillance in Pakistan

7 Biofertilizers (Biozote etc.), Biopesticides 16 Vertical Farming

Microbes for Supplementing Fertilizers and Locust Emergency and Food Security Project
8 Inducing Abiotic Stresses in Crops. 17 (LEAFS)

Soybean Expansion Value Chain and Product

9 Development

1. PRODUCTIVITY ENHANCEMENT OF SUGARCANE

This initiative aims to increase the national average yield of sugarcane by developing
climate-resilient, high-yielding, short-duration, high-sucrose content, and disease-resistant
sugarcane varieties. It also focuses on improving crop production and protection technologies.

2. PRODUCTIVITY ENHANCEMENT OF WHEAT

This project focuses on coordinated research for developing climate-resilient, high-yielding,
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 disease-resistant, heat, and drought-tolerant wheat varieties. It also aims to increase the
national average wheat yield by developing innovative resource-conserving crop production
and protection technologies.
3. PRODUCTIVITY ENHANCEMENT OF RICE
The goal of this project is to increase the national average yield, productivity, and profitability
of rice by developing high-yielding, short-duration, insect pest, and disease-resistant rice varie-
ties, as well as crop production and protection technologies.
4. ESTABLISHMENT OF SEED CERTIFICATION SERVICES IN SOUTHERN BALOCHISTAN
This project aims to establish Seed Testing Laboratories in Khuzdar and Turbat to provide seed
certification services in the Southern region of Balochistan, develop better liaison with provin-
cial and federal counterparts, and support the regional food security system.
5. PROMOTION OF OLIVE CULTIVATION ON COMMERCIAL SCALE IN PAKISTAN (PHASE-II)
This flagship program aims to promote olive cultivation on 50,000 acres by developing infra-
structure and capacity for mass-scale production of true-to-type, disease-free olive nursery
plants in the public and private sectors.
6. REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE
This project aims to establish Seed Testing Laboratories in Khuzdar and Turbat to provide seed
certification services in the Southern region of Balochistan, develop better liaison with provin-
cial and federal counterparts, and support the regional food security system.
7. BIOFERTILIZERS (BIOZOTE ETC.), BIOPESTICIDES
PARC and other agricultural organizations have developed several biofertilizers and biopesti-
cides that are cost-effective, safe, and help achieve export requirements. These products need
massive campaigns to kick off their adoption through promotions, awareness, and developing
market support systems.
8. MICROBES FOR SUPPLEMENTING FERTILIZERS AND INDUCING ABIOTIC STRESSES IN CROPS
Microbes such as rhizobia, Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Blue-green algae, Azolla, and phos-
phate-solubilizing microorganisms have the potential to improve plant growth under abiotic
stress conditions by promoting the production of low-molecular-weight osmolytes and organic
acids.
9. SOYBEAN EXPANSION VALUE CHAIN AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
The cultivation of soybean holds significant potential for addressing various needs, such as
direct human consumption, poultry and livestock feed, and industrial applications. By focusing
on interventions such as varietal development and demonstration for farm-level cultivation,
local soybean production can be successfully increased. This would not only reduce reliance
on imported oilseeds but also contribute to a more sustainable and self-sufficient agricultural
system in the long term.
10. BIOLOGICAL PEST/INSECT CONTROL
Biological control using parasitoids, predators, and pathogens has been used for the purpose
of suppression of insect pests, and NARC biological control/insectary lab has successfully
provided solutions for many crops.
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11. AEROPONICS TECHNOLOGY FOR POTATO SEED PRODUCTION
The aeroponic potato seed production system developed at NARC will help achieve higher
productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, initiate farm-level processing, human resource devel-
opment, and create immense job opportunities. For fulfilling the future local needs of the
potato seed as well as to shift towards potato seed exporter, this technology needs promotion
and upscaling with strong technical backup of NARC scientists in major potato producing
areas of Pakistan.
12. UPSCALING OF BIO-SALINE AGRICULTURE UMMERKOT MODEL
PARC has developed innovative agriculture models in Thar, where bio saline agriculture pilots
were carried out in collaboration with Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC), Livestock
and Fisheries Department, Govt of Sindh, and Sindh Agriculture University Tando Jam, and Insti-
tute of Sustainable Halophyte Utilization, University of Karachi. These pilots have shown great
potential for bio saline agriculture and fisheries in the region.
13. AQUACULTURE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMS
Cage Culture Cluster Development Project: The specific objective of the project is the
up-scaling cage culture technology across Pakistan to increase per capita fish consump-
tion and export earnings from cage aquaculture by optimal utilization of natural water
resources.
Pilot Shrimp Farming Cluster Development Project: The project aims to promote shrimp
aquaculture in inland areas and develop a shrimp value chain, support services and legal
framework for improving the livelihood and job creation and export earnings from inland
aquaculture.

14. NATIONAL PESTE DES PETITS RUMINANTS (PPR) ERADICATION PROGRAMME:

PHASE 1 – RISK-BASED PPR CONTROL IN SHEEP AND GOATS OF PAKISTAN
The project aims to enhance capacity for laboratory diagnosis of PPR at federal & provincial
levels, strengthening a surveillance system for PPR to develop a rapid response system. Prepa-
ration of strategic vaccination plan for control & eradication of PPR. It will also help in up-gra-
dation of a legal framework to manage PPR and to promote more intensive involvement of
stakeholders in the eradication of PPR. Research & Development in epidemiology diagnostic &
control of PPR is being carried out under this project.
15. NATIONAL PROGRAM FOR ANIMAL DISEASE SURVEILLANCE IN PAKISTAN
The National Program for Animal Disease Surveillance in Pakistan aims to develop a compre-
hensive surveillance system that generates reliable data to inform policy and operational deci-
sions in sustaining animal production and gaining trust from trading partners. The project
seeks to develop a national program, policy and regulatory framework for controlling trade
limiting animal diseases, strengthen national and international networks, and enhance the
capacity and competence of veterinary services at the national, provincial, and district levels
for the control and eradication of trade limiting animal diseases.
16. VERTICAL FARMING
The Vertical Farming initiative focuses on exploring innovative and sustainable ways to grow

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 crops in urban environments. In the short term, the project will develop and pilot tunnel farming
and hydroponic systems for fruits and vegetables with micro-irrigation, alongside rooftop and
kitchen gardening for both household and commercial applications. Medium-term actions
include professional training, capacity building, and upscaling strategies, as well as conduct-
ing economic and food security analyses and evaluating vertical farming as a climate change
adaptation and mitigation tool. In the long term, the initiative aims to develop business models
through full life-cycle analysis (LCA), investigate vertical farming derivatives such as multi-story
and multi-crop greenhouses, explore rack-stacked designs for optimal solar exposure, identify
employment opportunities in the sector, and extend the range of crop types while optimizing
response to controlled variables like LED lighting, temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels.
17. NATIONAL PROGRAM FOR ANIMAL DISEASE SURVEILLANCE IN PAKISTAN
The project aims to improve the country's preparedness for future locust and other invasive
pest attacks by enhancing the capacity of the plant protection department and strengthening
the national food security system. The project is comprised of 5 main components: pest surveil-
lance/early warning, preparedness, and control capacity enhancement, strengthening of
national food security management system, project management, monitoring, and evaluation,
contingent emergency response component, and livelihood protection and rehabilitation.

03 WATER GOVERNANCE AND INFRASTRUCTURE INITIATIVES

This section presents a comprehensive overview of the various initiatives undertaken by the Gov-
ernment of Pakistan to address concerns related to water insecurity and floods. These efforts
demonstrate the government's commitment to finding effective solutions to ensure access to
clean water and mitigate the impact of flooding on communities and infrastructure.

National Water Policy Implementation Framework Water Harvesting, Water Pricing and Ground Water
1 and National Water Conservation Strategy 8 Recharge

Integrated Water Resource Management (WRM)

2 and Integrated Flood Risk Management 9 Land Degradation Recovery Initiative

Establishment of Five Regional Flood Forecasting

3 Centres under Flood Protection Sector Project-III 10 National Master Plan on Flood Telemetry Network

Sindh Water and Agriculture Transformation

4 Project (SWAT) 11 Chashma Right Bank Canal Project (Lift-Cum-Gravity)

5 Naulong Dam Project 12 Nanopore Irrigation Technology Pilot

Provincial Ground Water Regulatory Acts and

6 Ground Water Regulatory Authorities 13 Wastewater Treatment Through Bioremediation

Indus Basin Irrigation system (IBIS): Automation of

7 07 key Sites for Discharge Monitoring 14 Indigenization of solar desalination

1. NATIONAL WATER POLICY IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK AND NATIONAL WATER

CONSERVATION STRATEGY
Pakistan has taken significant steps towards the implementation of its National Water Policy
(NWP), including the translation of the policy into short, medium, and long-term activities, as
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 well as the development of a Policy-Implementation framework and a National Water Conser-
vation Strategy. The NWP-Implementation Framework, along with the Draft National Water Con-
servation Strategy, has been presented to Water Sector Development Partners for their support
in implementing priority actions outlined in both documents at the national and provincial
levels. These efforts aim to ensure the effective implementation of the NWP and promote water
conservation strategies throughout the country.
2. INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (WRM) AND INTEGRATED FLOOD RISK
MANAGEMENT
Efforts are underway to promote Nature-based solutions and green interventions to achieve the
objectives of IWRM in Pakistan, particularly in the area of integrated flood risk management.
The focus is on the capacity building for organizations under the control of Ministry of Water
Resources to ensure effective implementation of IWRM. To this end, a Research, Development
and Policy Implementation (RD&PI) initiative has been launched to support these efforts.

Moreover, for a holistic and integrated handling of floods, National Flood Protection Plan-IV is
being updated through Asian Development Bank (ADB) on the directions of the Prime Minister
to incorporate lessons learnt from devastating floods of 2022.

3. ESTABLISHMENT OF FIVE REGIONAL FLOOD FORECASTING CENTRES UNDER FLOOD

PROTECTION SECTOR PROJECT-III (FPSP-III)
This project will greatly improve regional flood forecasting, thereby enhancing overall resil-
ience to hydro-meteorological disasters through real-time forecasting and response.
4. SINDH WATER AND AGRICULTURE TRANSFORMATION PROJECT (SWAT
The Sindh Water and Agriculture Transformation Project (SWAT) focuses on integrated water
resources management and restoring crop production by small and medium-sized farmers
affected by floods. It promotes water-thrifty crops through a smart subsidy scheme and sup-
ports farmers who resume agricultural production. There is a large component of water govern-
ance and ground water recharge as a part of this program.
5. NAULONG DAM PROJECT
The dam is to be constructed across Mula River at Sunt about 30-kilometer from Gandawa City
in the District Jhal Magsi, Baluchistan. The 186 ft high Zoned Earthfill will store 242,000 AF
water for irrigating 47,000 acres land and 4.4 MW hydropower generation.

6. PROVINCIAL GROUND WATER REGULATORY ACTS AND GROUND WATER REGULATORY

AUTHORITIES
Provincial governments in Pakistan have initiated the process of formulating and promulgating
Groundwater Regulatory Acts and establishing supportive Groundwater Regulatory Authorities.
Groundwater Regulatory Authorities in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been newly
established and are currently being operationalized.
7. INDUS BASIN IRRIGATION SYSTEM (IBIS): AUTOMATION OF 07 KEY SITES FOR DISCHARGE
MONITORING
Indus River System Authority (IRSA), with the support of WAPDA, has started implementing a
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 water accounting project to ensure accurate water distribution among the federating units. The
project aims to develop a standardized framework for water accounting and reporting, includ-
ing monitoring of water inflows, outflows, and storages in the country's rivers and reservoirs.
This will enable better management of water resources and ensure fair distribution among the
provinces.

8. WATER HARVESTING, WATER PRICING AND GROUND WATER RECHARGE

Water harvesting and groundwater recharge initiatives encompass a wide range of short,
medium, and long-term actions to ensure sustainable water resource management. In the
short term, actions include identifying rainwater harvesting potential and suitable sites, imple-
menting pilot projects for artificial groundwater recharge, exploring urban rainwater harvesting
and groundwater recharge pilots, piloting various ground water recharge techniques in rural
areas, and formulating a water pricing strategy. The development and piloting of solar water
desalination for irrigation and drinking, particularly in regions with saline groundwater, will con-
tribute to improving water quality and availability. Medium-term actions involve economic eval-
uation of rainwater harvesting intervention piloting and capacity building, implementing runoff
harvesting and sediment traps, eye brows and terrace systems, in-situ harvesting systems,
loose rock check dams, gabion netted check dams, and seepage/runoff interceptor drains.
Urban groundwater pilot evaluations will be conducted, and a water pricing policy will be
proposed. Long-term actions focus on training 500 individuals in rainwater harvesting tech-
niques, implementing the water pricing policy framework, and initiating a national watershed
management program focused on water harvesting and groundwater recharge in each prov-
ince.
9. LAND DEGRADATION RECOVERY INITIATIVE
Land Degradation Recovery Initiative encompass a wide range of short, medium, and
long-term actions to address these pressing environmental challenges. In the short term,
actions include piloting watershed management techniques, identifying erosion hotspots
using remote sensing, developing afforestation strategies, piloting interventions for salinity and
waterlogging management, carbon sequestration, bioremediation, and minimizing tillage.
Medium-term actions focus on capacity building in watershed management, promoting mini-
mum tillage practices, and bioremediation. Long-term actions involve upscaling watershed
management interventions with partners, converting from intensive tillage to conservation
agriculture and permanent raised bed farming in both irrigated and rain-fed areas, and initiat-
ing a national watershed management program for controlling water pollution and land degra-
dation in remote watersheds. Additionally, the evaluation and upscaling of physical and biolog-
ical interventions for managing salinity and waterlogging will be conducted. These comprehen-
sive actions aim to mitigate water pollution and land degradation, ensuring sustainable devel-
opment and environmental protection across the country.

10. NATIONAL MASTER PLAN ON FLOOD TELEMETRY NETWORK

The National Master Plan on Flood Telemetry network includes the installation of approximate-
ly 680 flood telemetry stations on secondary and tertiary rivers, small streams, nullahs, etc.
This will provide a more accurate registration of surface flows of water bodies across the
country, leading to better flood forecasting and nowcasting of flash floods and hill torrential
discharges.
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 11. CHASHMA RIGHT BANK CANAL PROJECT (LIFT-CUM-GRAVITY)
This important project of Food security initiated by Govt: of Pakistan is located on Right Bank of
River Indus. On completion, it will irrigate 286,100 acres barren yet fertile land in Dera Ismail
Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
12. NANOPORE IRRIGATION TECHNOLOGY PILOT
This technology, originating from China, aims to save 50% irrigation water, 70% energy, and
30% fertilizers compared to drip irrigation systems. The technology is in testing phase in differ-
ent ecologies by NARC. It will be evaluated and if successful it will be considered for local
production.
13. WASTEWATER TREATMENT THROUGH BIOREMEDIATION
This initiative aims to treat wastewater through bioremediation in various ecologies using phy-
coremediation strategies. The treated water can be used for peri-urban agriculture to ensure
food security.
14. INDIGENIZATION OF SOLAR DESALINATION
The project focuses on the promotion of cost-effective and affordable desalination units that
are easy to use, repair, and maintain. Simple solar desalination units comprising a solar oven,
condenser, and collector pot can be promoted in target regions in Pakistan, including saline
and coastal regions.

CONCLUSION
The Government of Pakistan is implementing various initiatives and projects to address the challeng-
es of climate change, water scarcity, and food security. These initiatives cover a wide range of areas,
including climate change adaptation and mitigation, decision support systems, efficient use of natu-
ral resources, climate-resilient agriculture, and watershed management. Moreover, the government
has allocated substantial funds for water sector projects and introduced flagship initiatives in
response to emerging climate scenarios. Collectively, these efforts demonstrate the Government of
Pakistan's commitment to sustainable development, environmental protection, and securing the
well-being of its citizens in the face of a changing climate, increasing water scarcity, low water use
efficiency, lack of water conservation and food insecurity. Continued investment and innovation in
these initiatives will be crucial for ensuring long-term resilience and sustainability in the country.

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 ENERGY
Secure, Sustainable and Affordable
INTRODUCTION
Energy is an integral part of the economic order of Pakistan. Infrastructure and networks of roads, rail,
optical fiber, electricity grid, and oil and gas pipelines are the building blocks of the supply chains for
effective and efficient delivery of public and private service delivery. Supply of reliable, secure, efficient
and affordable electricity is one of the primary drivers for sustainable development of Pakistan.

Energy shortfalls have had a significant impact on Pakistan's socio-economic stability over the last
few decades. The supply-demand deficit reached its peak in 2012, with a staggering 66201 MW
shortfall, accounting for 50% of the generation capacity. As a result, policy discussions shifted to
focus primarily on generation and supply-side interventions. Between 2013 and 2018, Pakistan
undertook ambitious capacity additions, adding 12,2302 MW to the energy mix. Notably, the design
and implementation of the RLNG (Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas) supply chain in a short time
period was a remarkable milestone in Pakistan's energy mix. The share of RLNG in the energy mix
experienced tremendous growth, serving the demands of various power plants in addition to meeting
the needs of fertilizer plants and the industrial sector.

In addition to electricity generation projects, flagship project of ±660 KV HVDC Transmission Line
Project from Matiari to Lahore for evacuation of 4000 MW capacity has enhanced the grid infrastruc-
ture. Distribution, however, remains least invested/upgraded with overloading of the power transform-
ers and events of burning/blasting of the distribution transformers in different DISCOs show no res-
pite 3. A flagship project of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is in process that will help in curb-
ing AT&C losses and overloading issues at the distribution value chain of electricity.

Transmission and distribution infrastructure for natural gas/ RLNG shows a similar story with empha-
sis and bottlenecks at the generation. For decades, natural gas stood up as the leading energy source
to serve sectoral and power generation needs. Due to the continuous depletion of the local gas
reserves, the supply gap is filled with imported LNG to meet the rising demand. The trend shows that
we are moving towards non-indigenous fuel sources and thus are more exposed to the international
price shocks. Fertilizer sector remain one of the top beneficiary of this fuel source. Rationalizing subsi-
dies and prices are integral for efficient utilization of this resource.

Oil and its associated products including but not limited to motor spirit (MS) and high speed diesel
(HSD) are concentrated with transport sector and have shown continuous growth in demand. Furnace
oil (FO) have been tried to phase out from electricity generation sector. Pakistan only produces small
fraction of the crude oil whereas the requirements/expected demand of the petroleum products (MS
and HSD) may require more refineries in the supply chain. However, with the onset of electric vehicles
this demand may be substituted by electricity. To summarize, this supply resource is highly indigenous
and has dented the import bill.

1
NEPRA State of Industry Report 2015.
2
https://www.finance.gov.pk/survey/chapters_19/Economic_Survey_2018_19.pdf
3
NEPRA State of Industry Report 2021-22

77
SITUATION ANALYSIS
Energy sector is an intricate and interdependent web with stakeholders ranging from regulators (NE-
PRA/OGRA), suppliers/generators to demand centers (industrial, domestic, commercial etc). A
number of institutions are involved in sector level or operation level planning of Energy Sector. The
solution for many problems in energy sector lies in coordination and integration of energy planning
capabilities within the country. Fast changing dynamics of Energy Sector warrants institutionalizing
the Integrated Energy Planning (IEP) capability within the country. IEP supports analysis-based energy
decision making for the best interest of Pakistan as a whole, across energy sub-sectors. For energy
decisions to be prudent across all levels of multiple energy forms, they must align with commonly
accepted goals that are pursued through coordination and consistent policies, plans, processes and
implementations.

Energy shortfalls have largely set the narrative of energy policy in Pakistan. To reiterate energy is cen-
tral to economic growth whereas energy efficiency and conservation (EE&C) is a prerequisite for eco-
nomic development. EE&C is crucial for meeting the challenges of customer affordability and sector
financial viability. Demand/Load control programs also come under this thematic area.

Ensuring both the diversification and indigenization of energy sources continues to be of prime
importance. Coal is the primary indigenous energy source of Pakistan. Thar has the largest coal
reserves in the country which has been actively developed in recent years. The first Thar plant, having
capacity of 660 MW, became operational in the first quarter of FY2020. Currently, the overall electrici-
ty generation from coal has reached to 5280 MW. Thar coal is contributing 1,320 MW, while imported
coal contribution in electricity generation is 3,960 MW which is around 75 percent of the total elec-
tricity generation from coal in the country. Electricity generation configuration is relying heavily on the
imported coal and this trend is likely to change as units based on the Thar field are added to the elec-
tricity generation mix . A snapshot of installed capacity and generation mix .

Figure 1 Capacity and Generation Mix FY21-22

In order to resolve the energy crisis, the installed capacity of electricity was increased by 30% from
2013-2018. Government of Pakistan (GoP) has announced different policies to ensure the smooth
supply of energy to the general public and to boost economic growth. These polices include “The
National Power Policy 2013”, “The Power Generation Policy 2015” and “Alternative and Renewable
Energy Policy 2019”. The National Power Policy 2013 aimed to develop an efficient and consum-
78
er-centric power generation, transmission and distribution system that could meet the needs of the
people and boost the economy of the country in a sustainable and affordable manner. The main
targets included complete elimination of load shedding, decreasing the aver- age cost of electricity
generation, decrease in the transmission & distribution losses, increase in the revenue collection and
a reduction in the time required for decision making at the ministry level or other related departments.
Alternative and Renewable Energy Policy main objective was to provide supportive environment for
renewable power projects, increase the share of green energy capacity to 20 percent by 2025 and 30
percent by 2030 through attracting private capital in the area of green energy. Consequently, this
nudge has shown positive results. The graphical representation of installed capacity and bifurcation
of Renewables for FY 2020-21 and FY 2021-22 is given below:

Figure 2 Trend of Renewables FY 21-22

NTDC has transmission capacity of 22350 MVA over 500 kV transmission network and 31060 MVA
over 220 kV transmission network. IGCEP 2022-31 targets inclusion of 60% Renewable (39 % Hydro
and 21 % Variable renewables) with almost 70 GW generation capacity. Relying on renewable and
indigenous resources will need revamping of NTDC system as well as Distribution from 132 kV to
11kV to meter.

STRATEGIC VISION
Diversification and Indigenization of Energy Mix: The Government of Pakistan (GoP) is inter-
ested in diversifying its energy mix by investing in renewable energy sources like wind, solar,
and hydro power. Likewise, Thar's indigenous sources will be utilized in an efficient and envi-
ronmentally responsible manner. By doing so, the country can reduce its dependence on
imported fuels and promote sustainable energy development.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation: The GoP is currently working on enhancing energy
efficiency across all sectors, including industry, transportation, and households. This effort
aims to reduce energy consumption, cut costs, and promote environmental sustainability.
Infrastructure development: To improve the efficiency and reliability of the energy sector, the
GoP is exploring various options for infrastructure development. This includes upgrading
supply chain networks for electricity, gas and oil. Smart grid technologies and integrated plan-
ning are essential.
79
 Private Sector Investment: In an effort to encourage sustainable energy development, Paki-
stan has incentivized private sector involvement in the energy sector and created an invest-
ment-friendly environment. The involvement of the private sector will bring in capital and
expertise necessary for supporting sustainable energy development.
Regional Cooperation: The Government of Pakistan is committed to strengthening regional
cooperation in the energy sector by exploring opportunities for cross-border energy trade and
collaboration with neighboring countries. By doing so, the country can reduce energy costs,
promote regional stability, and facilitate regional development.

Pakistan Vision 2025 recognizes that sufficient, reliable, clean and cost-effective availability of
energy– for now and the future – is indispensable to ensure sustainable economic growth and devel-
opment.
Short-Term and Medium terms recommendations:
Operationalize CTBCM (Competitive Trading Bilateral Contract Market) to move to a
multi-buyer market.
Swiftly pursue the development of distributed generation and renewable energy
zones/parks with solar and wind generation to reduce generation costs.
Increase of non-hydel renewables share.
Effective management to reduce high T&D losses.
Efective governance to resolve the circular debt.
Accelerated exploration & production activities in oil and gas.
Reduce UFG (Unaccounted For Gas) losses.
Upgradation of transmission capacity to improve Power Evacuation Capacity.

FLAGSHIP INITIATIVES
BUILDING AGRICULTURE
SECTOR SECTOR

INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORT POWER

SECTOR SECTOR SECTOR

80
INDUSTRIAL SECTOR TOTAL FINANCIAL IMPACT
$114 MILLION
MEPS FOR P E R A N N U M
INDUSTRIAL MOTORS

Implementing the MEPS for industrial motors

offer an annual energy saving of 60KWh which
reflects a financial impact of 6.93 million
USD/annum.

Launching a tune-up programme of Gas/Coal

TUNE-UP PROGRAMME OF
GAS/COAL BASED INDUS-
TRIAL BOILERS
TUNE-UP PROGARMMES OF
GAS BASED INDUSTRIAL
FURNACES AND HFO BASED
CAPTIVE GENSETS
based industrial boilers offers 3 billion CFt of
gas saving and 94000 tons of coal saving per
annum which reflects a financial impact of 78
million USD.
Tune up progarmmes of gas based industrial
furnaces and HFO based Captive Gensets offer
annual energy saving of 1.2 billion CFt in gas
and 32000 tons in coal respectively. Both initia-
tives will result in financial impact of 29 Million
USD. The total financial savings as a result of the
above-mentioned EE&C initiatives in the indus-
trial sector are estimated to around 114 million
USD.

BUILDING SECTOR TOTAL FINANCIAL IMPACT

$4.7 BILLION
P E R A N N U M

MEPS for Gas based Energy audits of the

2
Domestic Appliances 3
public buildings

MEPS for
Energy Conservation
Air- Conditioner 1 4
Building Codes
and Refrigerator

Implementing the MEPS for Air- Conditioner and

Refrigerator offer an annual energy saving of 135
GWh and 1,073 GWh respectively. Both these
interventions reflect a financial impact of 146
1 3
million USD/annum. Implementing the MEPS for
gas based domestic appliances offer an annual
energy saving of 58 billion CFt which reflects a
financial impact of 876 million USD/annum.
Commissioning the energy audits of the public build-
ings and the solarization of domestic water
motors/pumps offer annual energy savings of 40
MW and 12 MW respectively. The financial impact for
these interventions is estimated to be 1840 million
USD and 800 million USD per annum respectively.

Implementing the MEPS for gas based domestic The implementation of the Energy Conservation
2 appliances offer an annual energy saving of 165 4 Building Codes on new commercial buildings
MMBTU which reflects a financial impact of 6610 alone offer a 40% reduction in the energy
million USD/annum consumption of these buildings.

81
TRANSPORT SECTOR TOTAL FINANCIAL IMPACT
$1.55 BILLION
P E R A N N U M

Launching motor vehicle tune up centre programme: shall result in

saving of fuel (diesel & motor spirit combined) estimated as 1.5 billion

1 liters per year having annual financial impact of 1.5 billion USD. Tune-up
program of gas based industrial furnaces and HFO based Captive Gensets
offer annual energy saving of 40 billion CFt in gas, 80,000 tons of HFO, and
800,000 tons in coal.

2
Launching a tractor tune up centre programme: Annual energy saving of 135
million liters of diesel with an annual financial impact of 140 million USD on
the economy.on the economy.

3
Development and implementation of fuel economy standards for Cars,
Buses, and Trucks: Annual energy savings of 819 million liters of diesel
with an overall financial saving of 832 million USD to the economy.

30% shift to Electric Vehicles (2, 3, and 4 wheelers) by 2030: Saving of fuel
(diesel & motor spirit combined) is estimated as 1 billion liters per annum by
considering 5% penetration of EVs. This shall result in financial savings of 970
million USD.
4
AGRICULTURE SECTOR
TOTALFINANCIAL
TOTAL FINANCIALIMPACT
IMPACT
$629 MILLION
P E R A N N U M
Diesel Tube-wells Tune up Programme

Annual energy saving of 305 million liters of diesel Solar Water Pumping
with an annual financial saving impact of 315
If the existing water pumping (shal-
million USD on the economy.
low) is shifted to solar water pump-
ing, 2520 million liters of diesel
Electric Tube-wells Efficiency Improvement Programme fuel is saved per annum registering
a financial saving of 260 million
Annual energy saving of 447 million liters of USD.
diesel with an annual financial impact of 54
million USD.

82
POWER SECTOR
NATIONAL ELECTRICITY PLAN
The 5-year NE-Plan provides a strategic framework for implementing the electricity policy recommen-
dations and monitoring their achievements. The implementation of this plan is key to achieving the
stated goals. It provides an overarching framework to the stakeholders to ensure integrated planning,
institutional reforms, adoption of modern technologies, and complementing legal and regulatory
frameworks. Pakistan can reap the multiple benefits of a secure, equitable, and sustainable energy
system.

INDEPENDENT SYSTEM AND MARKET OPERATOR (ISMO)

The ISMO will perform six functions: System Operations (NPCC), Market Operations (CPPA-G), Power
System Planning (NTDC PSP), Reliability Compliance Enforcement (NEPRA Compliance Department)
and Generation Procurement (PPIB & AEDB). These roles create synergies when done centrally, as
evident in many global power system structures. This will help in liberalization of the wholesale elec-
tricity market towards multi buyer model.

FAST TRACK SOLAR DEPLOYMENT

The GOP envisions deploying solar power on a fast track basis to eventually complement and/or sub-
stitute the expensive imported fossil fuels. Such initiatives include:
Solar PV Generation on 11 kV Feeders
Solarization of Public Sector Buildings

HIGH PRESSURE COGENERATION PROGRAM

Launching a programme to shift the low-pressure co-generation to High pressure cogeneration
program in sugar mills is estimated to result in annual energy savings of 166 GWh and .10 billion
USD/annum can be saved. EE&C initiatives such as incentive based demand management, T&D loss
reduction, generation efficiency improvement, and UFG loss reduction offer a financial savings of 4.6
billion USD.

OIL AND GAS SECTOR

INTEGRATED ENERGY PLANNING
A dedicated Energy Planning & Resource Centre (EPRC) equipped with suitable staff and physical
resources is established at Energy Wing, Planning Commission. Detailed resource requirements for a
five-year institutionalization of the IEP process have been developed in a comprehensive PC-I ensur-
ing timely provision of resources required at the Planning Commission (i.e., EPRC, to act as the GoP’s
designated IEP secretariat and technical resource center), the Ministry of Energy, universities and
other relevant entities.
83
PIPELINE AND TERMINALS
PSO plans to build oil and LNG terminal at Hub, Balochistan. Pipelines include Machike Tarujabba and
access to the Central Asian Corridor (Kazakastan - Pak).

ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE
TAPI pipeline and North-South Gas pipeline infrastructure are flagship regional cooperation projects.
Pipeline infrastructure to gain access via Gwadar to Europe for LNG exports. ISGS also plans for
underground gas storages using depleted fields.

84
 EQUITY
Education, Health, Population and
Development of Least-Developed
Regions
INTRODUCTION
The pandemic's recent health crisis and economic tumults have made it challenging to
achieve equity in health and education. Notwithstanding the intensity of the issues, the
challenges are still salvageable. The framework covers education from ECE to Ph.D. levels
to achieve equity in education. Equity in education allows students to learn what they
want or need to know, ensuring we will leave no one behind due to one’s gender, ethnici-
ty, region, or socioeconomic position. Introducing equity in education aims to ensure that
inclusivity and education are for all. Everyone from any background must be able to read,
write, learn, and possess the skills required in the modern world.

To achieve equity in the health sector, the framework is designed so that everyone can
access a fair and just healthcare system, covering physical, mental, and psychological
healthcare needs. The government will achieve this by overcoming social, economic, and
other impediments.

The 5E Framework can achieve equity by addressing the needs of the poorest regions
and upgrading them up to the mark of modern development. To do so, the MoPD&SI has
started its 20 poorest districts upgrades. The project aims to eliminate the regional dis-
parities that exist in the country and strengthen national unity.

Equity cannot be achieved without access; both of these components ensure social jus-
tice and a way forward toward a socially just society. Persons with disabilities and trans-
gender people are the most excluded segments in our community. To limelight persons
with disabilities, the framework aims to formulate a national policy on PWDs and
upgrade national special education.

The pandemic's recent health crisis

and economic tumults have made it
challenging to achieve equity in health
and education.

86
SITUATION ANALYSIS
Pakistan’s population is projected to increase to over 274 million by 2030 and 367 mil-
lion by 2050 . Although Pakistan’s population growth rate has declined steadily over the
years, the country’s annual population growth rate of 2.4% is still higher than that of
neighboring countries (India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka) . Over two-thirds of the coun-
try’s population are people below the age of 30, which makes Pakistan one of the
youngest countries in the world, and the second youngest in the South Asian region after
Afghanistan. Over the course of coming three decades, the relatively high fertility rates
will continue to drive the ongoing population growth.

These demographic projections raise a number of challenges for Pakistan’s socio-eco-

nomic growth and development. A rapidly growing population means ever-increasing
demands for nutrition, food, health and education facilities, jobs, energy, water, infrastruc-
ture, and social safety nets.

The 18th Constitutional Amendment devolved the function of population planning to the
provinces. While provinces have taken a number of steps to improve population planning,
a coordinated and holistic approach is required to address this serious challenge. The
need for a well-coordinated federal approach is reinforced by the negative “externalities”
of high population growth rate in the form of low real wages, rising poverty, pollution,
insecurity etc. In this regard, a National Taskforce was established but was not made
effectively operational. The current Government plans to reinvigorate the National Task
Force on Population Planning and implement the National Action Plan for Population
Control.

High population growth rate over the years has strained and affected access to afforda-
ble and quality health and education services. Although Pakistan has introduced and
implemented a number of measures to improve access to health and education services
and improve the quality and affordability of these services for all citizens, the pace of pro-
gress remains slow. In this regard, the incorporation of Article 25A in the Constitution
enshrined universal access to education as a fundamental human right.

Despite making progress over the years, Pakistan continues to face several developmen-
tal challenges. People across various regional and social groups have unequal access to
health and education. In 2018-2019, Pakistan’s national poverty rate was 21.5 percent,
but it was 21.6 percent for Sindh, 27 percent for KPK and 40.7 percent for Balochistan.
Pakistan’s progress on development indicators lags behind other developing countries.
UNICEF estimates that Pakistan has 22.8 million out of school children . There are more
boys enrolled than girls at every stage of education, placing women at a great disadvan-
87
tage. In Sindh, 58 percent of girls of school going age are out of school, while the number
is even higher at 78 percent out of school girls in Balochistan. The quality of education
needs critical reforms too, as there is a huge gap between the skills and values needed
and what the country’s education system is currently producing.

Pakistan’s healthcare provision is lagging behind other nations as well. An average Paki-
stani has a life expectancy of only 66 years, ranking 150th in the world. High child mortal-
ity rate is a major contributor to Pakistan's low average life expectancy. Out of every 1000
children born, 65 children die before their fifth birthday. The social taboo surrounding
reproductive healthcare has resulted in soaring maternal mortality rates and lack of
family planning. Mental health issues often go neglected as there are only 0.19 psychia-
trists per 0.1 million people . The need for resilient mental health provision has become
much more pertinent and pronounced in the wake of global pandemic and the recent
floods in the country. A significant overarching challenge is the lack of resources. Paki-
stan has 1.6 medical staff personnel per 1000 people, while the WHO recommended
number is 2.5.

Since the adoption of the 18th Constitutional Amendment, provincial governments have
the primary responsibility for delivering quality and affordable health and education ser-
vices to citizens. The Federal Government provides thought-leadership and fiscal support
to the provinces. Moreover, the Federal Government also provides support to less-devel-
oped regions and provinces in addressing key issues related to access to, and quality of,
schooling and healthcare. Furthermore, the Federal Government is also introducing
holistic reforms in education and health delivery in federally-governed territories and
seeks to set benchmarks and standards and model delivery systems.

STRATEGIC VISION AND OBJECTIVES

The Government of Pakistan is keen to implement the National Action Plan on Population
Planning through a reinvigorated National Task Force. The objective is to ensure that all
people have access to family planning services, such as contraceptives, accompanied by
quality maternal health care services and accurate and easily accessible information
about their sexual and reproductive health and rights.

The government’s vision is universal education and healthcare provision across Pakistan.
Pakistanis need equal and improved access to services. The strategic objective is to
improve the health and learning and attainment of all Pakistanis, particularly women and
children, by providing universal access to affordable, quality essential health and educa-
tion services, delivered through a resilient and responsive health and education systems.
In the education and health sectors, the government will particularly focus on fulfilling
88
fulfilling the needs of the social groups who have traditionally been discriminated
against due to their age, class, gender, physical ability or region. It will serve the govern-
ment’s goal of will reducing inequality, hence strengthening national unity and bringing
the nation closer to achieving its sustainable development goals.

The following short-term and medium-term goals are critical for achieving this vision:

Improve access to healthcare and education services.

Enhance the quality of existing health and education services.
Improve access to education for kids from marginalised socio-economic
backgrounds by providing alternative learning pathways and distance learn-
ing options.
Strengthen national education data and information systems.
Develop and promote eco-system for distance learning and e-learning and
provide blended learning solutions.
Enhance resilience of health and education to natural disasters and emer-
gencies.
Enhance access to family planning services and increase contraceptive prev-
alence.
Increase the uptake of education by girls at the primary level.
Increase the provision of mental health and psychological support.
Support deworming and immunization initiatives.
Promote awareness about sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Promote awareness about population planning and control as a core ele-
ment of all public communication and development strategies.
Improve socioeconomic conditions of the poorest regions of the country
through targeted interventions and affirmative action.

FLAGSHIP INITIATIVES

LEAST-
EDUCATION HEALTH & DEVELOPED
POPULATION REGIONS

89
1. EDUCATION
Early Childhood Education (ECE)
and Foundational Learning 01 07 Model Teacher Training Institute

National Action Plan and Fund for

Out of School Children 02 08 Model National Library

National Distance Education Strengthening the Evidence

Strategy 03 09 Ecosystem

INITIATIVE(S)
National Virtual Schooling System 04 10 Deworming of School Children

Attract International tuition paying

Universal Enrolment Pilot Project
in ICT 05 11 students in TIER-1

International Advanced Collaborative

Review of National Curriculum 06 12 Research Centre and Knowledge Park

01 EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (ECE) AND FOUNDATIONAL LEARNING

The Federal Education Ministry will launch a national initiative on early childhood education and
foundational learning. In this regard, the MoFEPT is organizing an international conference on
ECE in June 2023 to sensitize all key stakeholders and developed a joint way forward and strate-
gic road map for ECE.
02 NATIONAL ACTION PLAN AND FUND FOR OUT OF SCHOOL CHILDREN
As of today, over 22 million children in Pakistan are out of school. To address this issue, the Gov-
ernment aims to develop a national plan of action for addressing the crisis of OOSC. A National
OOSC fund will be established to incentivise and support interventions aimed at decreasing the
number of OOSC. The proposed interventions will primarily aim to address supply-side deficien-
cies in school education while simultaneously targeting demand-side barriers where necessary.
Furthermore, accelerated and alternative learning pathways will also be provided for overage
children. In this regard, stakeholder consultations have already been held. A National Conference
on Out-of-School Children was organised in collaboration with Pakistan Alliance for Maths and
Science (PAMS) in Islamabad on November 15th 2022, which was attended by private and public
stakeholders from all provinces and regions.
03 NATIONAL DISTANCE EDUCATION STRATEGY
The National Distance Learning Strategy contains several focus areas on which Ministry of Fed-
eral Education & Professional Training (MoFEPT) has taken initiatives in collaboration with World
Bank, Donors, Education Technology Players and Distance Education Experts. The NDES encom-
passes following core objectives.
Learning Goal (Enabling Environment): Improve enabling environment through govern-
ance, partnerships and evidence.
Learning Goal (Access): Increase access to education.
Learning Goal (Quality): Improve learning outcomes for those in school.
90
 Learning Goal (Resilience): Improve resilience and learning continuity in emergencies.
To achieve these objectives;
MoFEPT has already invested in developing distance learning channels through the TV
medium (called Teleschool) and internet medium (called e-Taleem) that deliver both
broadcast and interactive content through LMS to every Pakistani who has access to a
smartphone or digital device.
Accelerated learning programs have been initiated so that the outreach activities for
OOSC engagement can be piloted nationally and support provided to provincial partners.
MoFEPT has launched a “school on wheels” project, that can help in engaging the OOSC
by introducing mobile learning buses equipped with digital and innovative technologies.
Broadcasting of the educational content through mainstream TV is underway by strength-
ening the capacity of AIOU.
National EdTech and technology developers are being encouraged to participate in OOSC
engagement initiatives.
Digital and Innovative Wing Establishment is being developed with a scope that this new
wing will implement National Digital and Innovation in Education Strategy (NDIES) and
manage change management for technology and innovation ventures across Pakistan
through distance learning infrastructure.
For research and data collection linkages and policy focused decision making, Pakistan
Institute of Education PIE is being revitalized for national programming.
Several initiatives to integrate innovation, quality and sustainability in teacher training,
assessment and exams are in place in coordination with national/international experts.
National technical committees, working groups and ministerial committees are regularly
meeting for information sharing as well regional decision making.
These initiatives need to be scaled through provincial educational development programs by
enabling a technology oriented 21st century style distance education ecosystem across the
country thus eliminating access to quality education.
04 NATIONAL VIRTUAL SCHOOLING SYSTEM
The existing e-learning and distance learning advancements will be used to launch a virtual
schooling system across the country for OOSC, especially girls. The objective of the program is
reduce drop-out rates post-primary and post-middle through provision of virtual schooling and
alternative learning pathways.
05 UNIVERSAL ENROLMENT PILOT PROJECT IN ICT
This project aims to ensure universal enrolment in ICT through a combination of formal and
non-formal schooling options and traditional and innovative modes of education. The data
produced by Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE), BISP surveys, and other sources will be utilised
to map clusters of OOSC in ICT. Internet connectivity, access to education through devices and
digital applications together with Blended Learning, Smart Classrooms, Accelerated and
Non-Formal Learning Programs and Teacher Training are key focus areas in ICT.
91
 The Universal enrolment process through FDE, NCHD, BECS schools, PPP arrangements are
underway together with enrolments through, Non Formal Education programs, Digital Content
provision, Mobile School Buses, Computers, Chrome books, Tablets and Learning Materials are
being provided with the help of federal funding, allocated loans, donor grants and through NGOs
for ICT universal enrolments.

06 REVIEW OF NATIONAL CURRICULUM

The existing National Curriculum in Pakistan will be reviewed with the help of education experts
in Pakistan from public, private and development sector. These findings will be used to launch an
Integrated National Curriculum (INC). Second phase of reviewing and approving grade 9-12
curriculum is completed.

07 MODEL TEACHER TRAINING INSTITUTE

The government will establish a state-of-the-art Modal Teacher Training Institute in Islamabad.
The training institute will equip schoolteachers with the necessary skills to teach students in line
with international best practices.

08 MODEL NATIONAL LIBRARY

A Model National Library will be established in Islamabad. It will provide people from all back-
grounds access to knowledge across multiple streams.
09 STRENGTHENING THE EVIDENCE ECOSYSTEM - DEVELOPMENT OF DATA DASHBOARDS AND
INVESTMENTS IN RESEARCH
Several partners have worked closely tracking indicators on housing, health, schools, and learner
data related information that can be used in emergencies. In addition, a National EMIS system
is being developed to integrate educational data and strengthen federal-provincial coordination
through partnerships between the Government, development partners, and technical partners.
Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE) has been established to ensure educational data is
produced into evidence that can support the needs of decision-makers. These initiatives need to
be extended nationally through Provincial Educational Development Plans.

Financing of Pakistan’s education technology ecosystem will ultimately rely on the consistent
commitment of federal and provincial education budgets. Provisional strategies can be achieved
with the support of development partner funding and alternative financing.

10 DEWORMING OF SCHOOL CHILDREN

The Government aims to provide deworming facilities to all children between the age of 5 and
15 who have been observed to have a higher rate of worms in their stomach.

11 ATTRACT INTERNATIONAL TUITION PAYING STUDENTS IN TIER-1 UNIVERSITIES OFFERING WORLD

STANDARD PROGRAMS IN:

Medicine/Surgery Information Technology Islamic Studies Engineering

Teacher Education International Business Agriculture

92
 HEC GOP is currently providing scholarships to several developing countries students like Sri
Lanka, Afghanistan, Somalia, and other developing countries in Africa.

Open our higher education system to tuition paying students from advanced countries like UK,
US, France, Germany, Gulf and Central Asian States.

HEC will strengthen its Division of International Student Exchange.

To kickstart the process, it is proposed that Higher Education may be declared or given the
status of an Industry.
To facilitate the process of internationalization, “Study in Pakistan and HE Internationaliza-
tion” Program may introduce extending scholarship to foreign students for education and
training in Pakistan. This will not only internationalize HE, improve rankings of universities
but also build Pakistan’s soft image and a HE International destination.
For International Undergraduate Students change VISA Regimes, develop user-friendly
admission policies, and participate in Tuition Exchange Programs among universities.
Junior Year abroad programs for undergraduates will enable students to learn about Herit-
age and Pakistani Culture, Gandhara Civilization. Undergraduate students can enroll in
courses of their major also.
Open Online Course/Programs through EdEx/Coursera. HEC is also developing a MOOCs
platform for offering online courses for both domestic and international students.
Collaborative Globally significant Research at Graduate/Post-Graduate level in Climate
Change, Agriculture and Food Security with universities in EU, UK, USA, Central Asian and
Gulf States.

12 INTERNATIONAL ADVANCED COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH CENTRE AND KNOWLEDGE PARK IN

ISLAMABAD
HEC proposes to establish an advanced multi-disciplinary research center on a large plot of land
located on Kurri Road, Islamabad. The research center will have advanced well-equipped
research labs and a knowledge park in collaboration with Korea and other countries for enabling
the graduates and postgraduates research scholars to do innovative globally significant
research in the 5E’s Framework. The knowledge park will enable the startups to showcase their
commercially viable projects/products. They will be the first International Research Centre involv-
ing Korea and Pakistan. Similar Research Centre and knowledge parks can be developed in our
other industrial and commercial hubs in Karachi and Lahore in collaboration with Chinese Acad-
emy of Sciences and Pakistani Academy of Sciences.

93
2. HEALTH AND POPULATION PLANNING
Universal Health Coverage Reforms Reinvigoration of the National Task
01 (UHC) in Pakistan 09 Force on Population

International Health Regulation Implementation of National Action

02 Strengthening 10 Plan (NAP) on Population Planning

Strengthening and expansion of social

03 Polio Eradication Program 11 protection schemes (Sehat Sahulat
Program)

Health information System Common Management Unit for TB,

04 (Transition from DHIS to DHIS 2) 12 Malaria and AIDS

05 National Strategic Plan for Nursing 13 Federal Directorate of Immunization

Mental health and Psychosocial

06 Support 14 National Nutrition Programme

Establishment of tertiary care hospitals

07 for Cancer and other diseases 15 Adolescent Nutrition

08 Family Planning 16 Maternal Nutrition

01 UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE REFORMS (UHC) IN PAKISTAN

The concept of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is based on the principle that all individuals
and communities should have equitable access to their needed healthcare, in good quality,
without suffering financial hardship. Pakistan’s National Health Vision 2016–2025, the National
Action Plan 2019-23, and provincial health strategies recognize UHC as a top priority. The Gov-
ernment of Pakistan (GoP) has developed a costed Generic Essential Package of Health Services
(EPHS) based on the Disease Control Priorities 3 (DCP-3) framework, approved and endorsed by
the M/o NHSR&C and all provincial/area DOH at the Inter-Ministerial Health & Population Council
on October 22, 2020. The M/o NHSR&C in coordination with all provincial and area governments
developed and finalized a costed district EPHS for all Provinces/areas. The main objective of the
UHC reforms in Pakistan is to improve universal access to affordable, quality essential health
services, delivered through a resilient and responsive health system leading to an increase in
the UHC Index from a baseline of 39.7% in 2015 to more than 65% by 2030 although the

94
UHC target under SDG3 for 2030 is 80%. Work on prioritization of Inter-sectoral policies has
started to work with other sectors, which have the potential to target half of the burden of
disease. The draft Intersectoral policies action plan prepared. Other UHC reforms include:
Development of Joint LHW Strategic plan.
Training of Provincial Master trainers on revised LHW curriculum and training of facili-
ty-level master trainers on LHW revised curriculum.
Non-Communicable diseases (NCD) Action Plan has been developed in line with UHC
and approved by the Inter-ministerial Health and Population Forum. Beside action plan,
National Tobacco Control Strategy is developed and approved.
UHC Situation Analysis (2022) was completed and UHC index was estimated at national,
provincial/ area and district level. Trend in the UHC index is as below:

Year wise UHC SCI

Province/Area 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 % change

Islamabad 44.7 47.7 48.9 48.5 51.3 56.0 56.3 +25.9%

Punjab 40.6 42.8 45.6 47.3 48.2 52.0 53.8 +32.5%

Azad Jammu &
39.0 40.7 43.6 46.2 47.9 49.8 50.2 +28.8%
Kashmir
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 36.2 40.7 45.8 47.3 47.6 50.3 49.8 +37.5%

Gilgit Baltistan 35.8 39.3 41.0 42.6 43.5 45.2 48.5 +35.5%

Sindh 37.6 40.6 43.9 45.0 46.7 48.6 48.0 +27.6%

Balochistan 27.1 29.3 32.3 33.5 35.0 35.2 35.7 +31.7%

Pakistan 39.7 42.1 45.3 46.3 47.1 49.9 52.0 +30.9%

Note: For details refer to annexure I

In 2020 &2021, private sector hospital beds data was made available and included
The Ministry is collaborating with WHO for next round of JEE (national and province spe-
cific) and NCD surveys, which may improve the estimation
The Government of Pakistan and WB have agreed on a concept note of ‘National Health Sup-
port Programme’ amounting US$ 258 million IDA (US$ 42 million delayed for Balochistan) and
US$ + 132 million of Multi-Donor Trust Fund (from GFF, GAVI, B&MGF and others) on June
2022. NHSP supports the Government’s program defined and developed in the National Health
Vision, Provincial Health Strategies, UHC Investment Case and National / Provincial Essential
Packages of Health Services (EPHS). NHSP follows “Program for Results (PforR)” approach,
which disburses amounts based on achievement of results (Disbursement Linked Indicators –
DLIs). World Bank mission came in November 2022 to discuss the implementation modalities.
The NHSP is now in the implementation phase and provinces are in the process of the develop-
ment of their PC-1s or their approval.
95
02 INTERNATIONAL HEALTH REGULATION STRENGTHENING
Recently, a self-assessment of Joint External Evaluation was completed and the mission is
expected to come in the coming months to have the joint external evaluation and provide/identi-
fy areas where the work can be done to strengthen the International Health Regulations.

Implementation of Universal Health Coverage Pilot Project in ICT.

Islamabad district has been identified as the first model healthcare district for the implementa-
tion of different UHC related reforms and lesson learning. Following are the key reform initiatives
towards the implementation of UHC reforms in the ICT are as follows:
Geographic mapping of all public and private sector health facilities.
Adaptation of WHO’s Services Access and Readiness Assessment (SARA) tool and survey
in Islamabad to identify gaps.
Testing of digital health information system at community and PHC centre level.
Complete merger of health and population welfare facilities and staff (with training of
FWC workers as Health, Population & Nutrition counsellors).
LHW curriculum in line with UHC / EPHS at community level has been revised and training
of new 850 LHWs to start in 2023.
UHC Monitoring & Evaluation Framework for Islamabad is being developed. Lessons
learnt will be used for developing UHC M&E framework at provincial level initially for 40
districts.
Joint Annual Review & Planning Exercise (District Health Planning) activity held in April
2023.
Beside upgradation of already existing health facilities, a number of new health facilities
are in the construction phase in the area of G-13, Bari Imam and Bara Khau of Islamabad
Capital Territory.

03 POLIO ERADICATION PROGRAM

Under the leadership of the Prime Minister and with support from Polio partners, filed operation
strengthened, expanded capacity of health workers on the frontline and ensuring more vigilant
monitoring by continuously increasing female monitors. Recently, a new initiative of mobile vac-
cination teams was initiated, where vaccinators are reaching out to children part of nomadic
groups to mitigate the risks associated with the high-risk mobile populations. The surveillance is
continuously being strengthened. The Polio Programme has been supporting relief efforts
through health camps. The programme established health camps in 40 districts, while polio
teams are conducting nutritional surveys and using their infrastructure for disease surveillance.

04 HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEM (TRANSITION FROM DHIS TO DHIS 2)

Based on Health Information assessment 2017, a National Digital Health Framework was devel-
oped. DHIS2 for reporting on a daily basis has successfully piloted in all 36 districts of Punjab
since 2020 along with agreement of remaining provinces and regions for its adoption for
96
 routine reporting. Currently the DHIS2 has been in use across the entire landscape of Global
funded programs (TB and Malaria). KP, Balochistan, AJK and GB are in the planning phase of
DHIS2. DHIS2 transition is a key component of the National Health Information System Action
Plan and Provincial Roadmap (2019-2024).
05 NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN FOR NURSING
The Government of Pakistan is working to increase the number of nurses and midwives with
quality education and training programs. The initiative aims to identify and address the issues
faced in the field of nursing and strengthen the existing nursing practices in Pakistan. In addition
to the up gradation of the nursing schools in terms of infrastructure, hiring and stipends.
06 MENTAL HEALTH AND PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT
Pakistan has become the first country in the world to develop national and provincial costed
benefit package for essential health services including mental health (MH) interventions at PHC
and community (LHWs) levels.

During floods, Mental Health and Psychosocial support (MHPSS) sessions are being started in
Lasbella initially. Sessions for other districts of Balochistan and Sindh have been planned. Mental
health education has been incorporated in revised Lady health Worker’s training curriculum to
promote awareness and early referral at community level. GoP has adopted WHO school mental
health guidelines to conduct online training course for teachers on early identification and man-
agement of mental health problems in school children. In this regard, trainings of teachers from
different districts of Punjab were carried out. There is need to collaborate with Ministry of Federal
Education for Development and inclusion of Life skills syllabus, increase Media campaigns with
separate media messages for Mental health and drug use prevention abnd also establishment
of Telehealth Centers.

07 ESTABLISHMENT OF TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS FOR CANCER AND OTHER

DISEASES
The Government is establishing state-of-the-art public sector hospitals for treatment of fatal
diseases. The steps taken by the government are as follows:
National Cancer Hospital Islamabad.
National Police Hospital Islamabad.
“Federal Breast Cancer Screening center” established at PIMS hospital, ICT to provide
awareness, detection and subsequent treatment of the breast cancer disease that offers
following facilities all year round 6 days a week to women of all socio-economic strata.
Totally free of cost screening mammography.
Ultrasound facilities.
Breast Cancer education” has been incorporated in Revised Lady health Worker’s train-
ing curriculum Counseling Card. LHWs will deliver awareness on breast cancer, tech-
niques for self-breast examination and early referral at “community” and “primary health
care level”.
97
 Sehat Sahulat Program aims at providing free of cost health insurance, initially to families
living below the poverty line. The program also covers treatment of Cancer including
Breast Cancer. (Chemo, Radio, Surgery),
It is required to establish a National Breast Cancer Program having sustainable linkages
with
Sehat Sahulat Program (for subsidize rates of screening services in private clinics).
Ehsas Program (to provide screening services in population below poverty line).
Free screening services in the public sector.
Establishment of National Breast Cancer Registry.

08 FAMILY PLANNING
Pakistan is importing all of its contraceptives at a relatively higher cost. Hence, this initiative aims
to locally manufacture contraceptives. For this purpose, after identifying the relevant stakehold-
ers, a RTC will be conducted to develop a policy on the promotion of contraceptive manufactur-
ing.
09 REINVIGORATION OF THE NATIONAL TASK FORCE ON POPULATION
With the President of Pakistan as its chair, the Federal Task Force (FTF) comprises of Provincial
and Regional Chief Ministers, Provincial and Regional Chief Secretaries, and key Federal Minis-
ters in addition to relevant officials. The FTF in pursuance of the CCI Recommendations is respon-
sible for taking the Family Planning /Reproductive Health agenda forward and operates with the
clear terms of reference.
10 IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONAL ACTION PLAN (NAP) ON POPULATION PLANNING
The NAP spells out the actions required to implement each of the CCI Recommendation with
timelines, budget, output /impact indicators as an evidence to the implementation. The NAP
focuses on the following key areas; governance and accountability; ensure universal access to
FP/RH services; finances; legislation; advocacy and communications, curriculum and training;
contraceptive commodity security and involving Ulema.

Pakistan has made its FP2030 Commitments inline with its national goals agreed under the CCI
Recommendations and the targets set for the National Action Plan to strengthen family planning
focus fully following the eight key CCI recommended areas. Giving due consideration that Popu-
lation is a cross-cutting issue, which has its linkages with most important issues relating to pov-
erty, health, illiteracy, environment, climate change, economic instability, etc, the government of
Pakistan has developed a New National Narrative with its theme to adopt the middle of the
Course “Tawazun” and decide the family size according to the resources, enabling to fulfill the
fundamental rights of all.

11 STRENGTHENING AND EXPANSION OF SOCIAL PROTECTION SCHEMES

(SEHAT SAHULAT PROGRAM)
Sehat Sahulat Program is being implemented in a phased manner, starting from below poverty

98
 families and eventually targeting universal families and providing coverage eventually to more
than two hundred thirty (230) million population across Pakistan. Currently, program is providing
services to more than one hundred seventy (170) million population of Punjab, Khyber Pakh-
tunkhwa (KP), Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Islamabad Capital Territory
(ICT) and Tharparkar – Sindh.

So far, the program has not been implemented in Balochistan and Sindh (other than District -
Tharparkar). However, Balochistan Government has started working and taking necessary steps
to implement this social health protection initiative in all districts. At current level of maturity, the
program is providing financial protection for indoor health care coverage only.

In Federal Government the program is managed under the administrative control of Ministry of
National health Services, Regulations and Coordination and currently financed through PSDP. In
each participating province (Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) the program is managed by
health department with different source of financing.

12 COMMON MANAGEMENT UNIT FOR TB, MALARIA AND AIDS

Common Management Unit aims at accelerating the National and Provincial response to control
AIDS, TB and Malaria and subsequently eliminate the three deadly diseases from the country as
per the governmental commitment to achieve Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The
three programs are in line with the targets of SDG 3 to which Pakistan is a signatory. All the three
programs have developed their costed provincial and national strategic plans for 2021-23.
Based on the Global Fund Board’s decision in November 2022 on the funding available for the
2023-2025 allocation period, Pakistan has been allocated US$281,561,896 for HIV, tuberculo-
sis (TB), malaria and building resilient and sustainable systems for health (RSSH). The summary
of allocation is as follows:

Eligible Disease Component Allocation (US$) Allocation Utilization Period

HIV 65,446,113 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2026

Tuberculosis 181,689,888 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2026
Malaria 34,425,895 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2026
Total 281,561,896

13 FEDERAL DIRECTORATE OF IMMUNIZATION

Following are the key achievements FDI program for the fiscal year 2022-2023:
According to admin data, in the year of 2022, Penta-3 coverage was 99% across the
country.
The National Immunization Support Project (NISP) was successfully completed with two
formal missions, Implementation Completion Results Report Mission in October 2022
and final NISP Lesson Learned Mission in December 2022.
Pakistan introduced Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) into its routine immunization
99
 program in a campaign in Sindh and Punjab/Islamabad in 2019 and 2021 respectively.
In the wake of recent floods, EPI Pakistan also submitted Fragility, Emergency and
Displaced Populations (FED) proposal to seek support from Gavi to restore and sustain
immunization services in flood affected districts across the country.
EPI Pakistan successfully implemented the second window for COVID-19 support from
Gavi (CDS-2) which included extension of 2,672 vaccinators and hiring of additional
2,328 across Pakistan, several rounds of COVID-19 outreach activities to enhance vac-
cine roll out and other antigens of routine immunization, procurement of 500 convertible
freezers/refrigerators, procurement of 21 environment friendly incinerators, and 1166
helpline support.
EPI Management information system (MIS) is rolled out in Punjab and Sindh provinces
whereas all other provinces already reporting immunization data on MIS.

14 NATIONAL NUTRITION PROGRAMME

The activities carried out during the current fiscal year of 2022-23 are as follows:
The PC1 titled as “Tackling Malnutrition Induced Stunting in Pakistan” with the objective
“To significantly reduce malnutrition related stunting in Pakistani children in the next 5
years, and virtually eliminate it in children born in 2022 by 2030” was presented in the
ECNEC meeting in March 22 for allocation of funds, but deferred.
In the meantime, programs directly aiming at prevention of stunting and treatment of
wasting are being implemented with the support of WHO, UN-World Food Program,
UNICEF and other partners in few selected districts of the country, while Punjab (11
districts of South Punjab initially but later expanded to the entire province) and Sindh (13
AAP Districts plus 10 EU districts) and KP Spring project (2 districts) are also implement-
ing their own Stunting Prevention programs.
15 ADOLESCENT NUTRITION
Adolescent nutrition has recently been recognized an important step and foundation for elimina-
tion of malnutrition among mothers and children. Adolescent girls are the future mothers and
their nutrition would lead to healthy mothers. Nutrition Wing with the support of partners is work-
ing on developing the guidelines and protocols for adolescent nutrition in Pakistan.
National Adolescent Nutrition Strategy for Pakistan with provincial Action Plans was devel-
oped in 2021-22.
16 MATERNAL NUTRITION
Pakistan Maternal Nutrition Strategy and Provincial Implementation Plans were developed
during 2021-22 and launched in 2022 at National and provincial Level. The strategy guides for
development of Maternal nutrition interventions and campaigns in the country.

100
3. LEAST-DEVELOPED REGIONS
KP

POOREST DISTRICTS 3 Districts

(MPI-Based)
PUNJAB

1 Districts
BALOCHISTAN

11 Districts
SINDH

5 Districts

Special Development Scheme for Socio-eco-

01 nomic Uplift of 20 Poorest Districts

5000 Undergraduate Scholarships for

02 Balochistan and former-FATA

INITIATIVE(S) 03 Establishment of University of Gwadar

Expansion of Danish Schools Network across

04 least-developed regions of Pakistan

Enrollment of 0.5 Million Additional House-

05 holds from Balochistan in BISP

01 SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC UPLIFT OF 20 POOREST DISTRICTS

The Federal Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives launched a first of its kind
5-year development plan to up-lift 20 poorest districts of Pakistan out of poverty at a cost of 40
Billion PKR. Identified on the basis of scores in the Multi-Dimensional Index, the selected 20
districts include 11 districts from Balochistan, 5 from Sindh, 3 from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and 1
from the Punjab.
02 5000 UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR BALOCHISTAN AND FORMER-FATA
A project regarding the provision of higher education opportunities for students of Balochistan
and erstwhile FATA has been approved. The program will provide equal education opportunities
to 5000 talented students of these disadvantaged areas to bring them at par with developed
and developing areas of the country creating a core of talented and qualified manpower.
101
03 ESTABLISHMENT OF UNIVERSITY OF GWADAR
The government will establish a university in Gwadar to provide better education for students
from all over Gwadar. This 25 Billion PKR project will establish a state of the art university span-
ning over 500 acres.

04 EXPANSION OF DANISH SCHOOLS NETWORK ACROSS LEAST-DEVELOPED REGIONS OF PAKISTAN

The Federal Government aims to support the Government of Balochistan in addressing the crisis
of out-of-school children and expanding schooling opportunities through establishment of
boarding schools across the province. These schools will address issues of distance for teachers
as well as students and ensure quality and affordable education.

05 ENROLLMENT OF 0.5 MILLION ADDITIONAL HOUSEHOLDS FROM BALOCHISTAN IN BISP

Recognizing the high incidence of multi-dimensional poverty in Balochistan, the Federal Govern-
ment is in the process of covering the entire poor population of Balochistan under the BISP
program. In this regard, as a first step, an additional 0.5 million households from Balochistan are
being made beneficiaries of BISP.

102
IMPLEMENTATION AND
M&E FRAME-WORK
FOR 5ES
IMPLEMENTATION FRAME-WORK FOR 5Es
“The true measure/gauge of success for the Planning Commission (PC) is not for whom we
plan/pledge/inculcate resources in the economy, but it is how much resources injects in to those
areas/sectors which actually needs the most.”

Better planning, its implementation followed by robust and integrated monitoring and evaluation
(M&E) framework enhance the contribution of Planning Commission by establishing clear linkages
among all the stakeholders for socio-economic uplift of the country.

Sound Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation can assist the organization to extract relevant
information from past and ongoing activities that can be used on the basis for programmatic fine-tun-
ing, reorientation and future planning. Without effective planning, monitoring and evaluation, it would
be pretty impossible to adjudge that the progress and success and it can be determined upon the
lenses of M&E. An effective Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) system is essential to manage the devel-
opment outcome. Such system will help to enable a portfolio of public sector projects to be closely
aligned to the national vision and help in the execution of the projects at the federal and provincial
levels. The M&E Framework, is designed to inculcate a structured approach for monitoring and evalua-
tion of public sector policies, service delivery and development interventions.

To operationalize the Implementation framework, it is important that all the Federal Ministries and
Provincial/Area governments should:

Develop an embedded implementation framework in their respective sector-level strate-

gies and sectoral plans and in coordination with Planning Commission to achieve the
desired goal in the short and long term perspectives.
Well-tailored and customized management information system like iPAS/PMES to cap-
ture, process, analyse and use data against performance indicators, in accordance with
the M&E framework.
Strengthening /establish a professionally designed Implementation and Monitoring unit
in each of the Federal Ministries/Provincial Government to lead, manage and coordinate
the initiatives for achieving the goal envisaged in the Turn Around Pakistan (TAP)

MODUS OPERANDI OF IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND EVALUATION

FRAME-WORK
To get the real flavour in a tangible output under the auspices of 5Es, the deliverance field based
monitoring/verification by undertaking physical monitoring/verification, using checklist, KPI(s) or a
defined criteria. Desk-based monitoring, through system-based tracking of implementation of project
activities including physical and financial progress. Third-Party Monitoring (TPM)/ verification, by
engaging independent/ external firms to undertake physical, site-based monitoring/verification.

104
 TIMELINES
KEY INITIATIVES / RESPON-
5Es KEY AREA
DELIVERABLE
OBJECTIVES
SIBILITY
IMPLEMENTED UNDER IMPLEMENTATION TIME (MONTHS)

Augmenting Pakistan Regulatory To reduce the compliance BOI

Productivity. Reform Initiatives. 107 115 12
burden on businesses.

Product And ST 1: Industry Transformation. 36 The vision of the plan is to

Market National Productivity ST 2: Enhancing National Infrastructure. 36-60 Ministry Of
-------- double up the national
Diversification. Master Plan. Industry
ST 3: Reinvigorating Government. 12 productivity of Pakistan.

Enabling And Tariff Rationalization -------- Tariff Rationalization Study on the Improve textiles product
Study. 12-24 MOC
Conducive value chain of technical textiles. diversification.
Business
Environment.
National To maintain preferential market
-------- Under establishment at the Fed/Prov. 6 access for export oriented
Compliance Centre. MOC
under GSP+ agreement.
SME Cluster
Development
Plans For GSP Scheme To capture European market
Initiated 2024-34 for the upcoming 12
High Potential GSP Scheme with EU. will expire in and to get benefit from MOC
GSP scheme.
Sectors. 12/23. preferential trade terms.

Preferential Trade Stakeholder To capture Central Asian

Technical level negotiation are 12 market and to get benefit from MOC
Agreement with consultation expected to commence shortly.
Azerbaijan. concluded. preferential trade terms.

Trade development Initiation of market access activities To capture ASEAN market and
1. EXPORT

conference with -------- in the ASEAN region will be kicked 6 to get benefit from preferential MOC
ASEAN Countries. off in the coming month. trade terms.

Negotiation To capture GCU market and to

Free trade agreement -------- 6 MOC
have taken get benefit from preferential
with GCU.
place. trade terms.

Comprehensive To capture UAE market and to

economic partnership -------- Finalization of TORs is in process. get benefit from preferential MOC
6
agreement with UAE. trade terms.

National mineral Product diversification based MOC

-------- To facilitate the investor in MDC will 12 on local endowments.
data centre. be rolled out by June 23.

Engagement with To understand the chamber of MOC

Working group 6
chamber of commerce -------- Pakistan operational matters.
with all major
and Industry. chambers
have been
activated.

SME Cluster Eight high Will improve efficiency of MOC

development plans for potential 12
-------- development efforts by
high potential export sectors have enhancing stakeholder
sectors. been synergistic collaboration.
identified.

Export readiness Planned to implement capacity Will improve export readiness

-------- building program (Export Readiness of SMEs in promising sectors MOC
program. 12
Programme for SME). of the economy.

Up-skilling/ Reskilling
Strategic HR For Digital -------- Launching of massive open online 12 -------- Educa-
Thrust Area 1: Ecosystem. courses. tion/HEC
Accelerating
Growth of
Empowering Youth, Women and Others

Human
2. E-Pakistan and Empowerment

Capital Industry-Academ- Provision of Master trainers, Technology Educa-

ia-Government -------- transfer experts for the Industry, 12 -------- tion/HEC
Linkages. education and vocational institutions.

Provision scholarships for

indigenous and non-indigenous.
Study loan schemes on easy 6 --------
Easy Scholarships --------
And Loans payment.
Provisions. Establishment of research fund

Career Counselling IT Trainings and certifications.

For Work Opportuni- -------- 6-12 -------- Educa-
ties and Internships. IT internships in Public Sector tion/HEC
organizations.
 TIMELINES
KEY INITIATIVES / RESPON-
5Es KEY AREA
DELIVERABLE
OBJECTIVES
SIBILITY
IMPLEMENTED UNDER IMPLEMENTATION TIME (MONTHS)

Implementation of Smart technologies Smart technologies adoption

Strategic like IoT, mobile applications, AI/ML would expand the technical MoIT&T
Thrust Area 2: Adoption Of Digital and -------- based digital solutions in the domain 12 expertise that is competitively
Pervasive Smart Technologies. of agriculture, healthcare, education, placed in the international
Digital finance and other services. market.
Connectivity
and Digital
Ecosystem Nation-Wide Internet Investment incentives will be worked
out in consultation with the Improvement in connectivity
Development. Access with Focus on MoIT&T
-------- stakeholders for the internationally 12 infrastructure for high quality
Last Mile High Speed
competitive infrastructure. data speeds.
Broadband.

Knowledge Parks/ Establishment of IT incubators,

Innovation Labs/ -------- innovation labs, knowledge parks and 6-12 Thriving innovative ecosystem. MoIT&T
Specialized IT Clusters. specialized IT clusters.

Data Centres, Payment To get the highly responsive

Gateways, Internet
Exchange Platforms
(IXP).
Empowering Youth, Women and Others
Establishment of data centres,
-------- 6-12 services designed for the
payment gateways and internet MoIT&T
national digital ecosystem.
exchange platforms.

Implementation of holistic
2. E-Pakistan and Empowerment

National Cyber -------- Improvement and revisit of cyber 6 national cyber security MoIT&T
security Initiative. security policy, rules and regulations. initiative with a persuasive
national digital ecosystem.

Empowerment Of
Strategic More skill oriented and MoIPC &
Youth, Women And -------- Initiation of ICT for girls programme, 6-12
Thrust Area 3: empowered youth and MoITT
Under- Privileged software coding in line with SDGs.
Ease of Doing women.
Segments.
Business and
Access to
Funds. Provision of enabling environment
for companies to setup VC funds
for start-ups and SMEs. More companies will register
Venture Capital -------- Provision of enabling environment and start functioning thus MoIT&T
6-12
for International and domestic boosting the employment
investor. opportunities.
Provision of bank loans and
financing facilities for SMEs.

Facilitate Foreign / To facilitate foreign/

International -------- -------- 12 International IT businesses
MoIT/MoC
Companies Setup in which would provide to act as
the country. business attractor.

To enhance inward remittances

Strategic Ease of Banking for for freelancers. To get inflow of foreign
Thrust Area 4: IT Businesses and -------- Provision of incentives for export. 6 remittances through a viable SBP/ SECP
Policies and Freelancers. To facilitate freelancer in opening business environment.
Reforms for of bank account.
Implementa-
tion of Digital
Ecosystem. Taxation Reforms to Well-tailored and customised
Accelerate Growth -------- development of software for capturing 6 Increase Tax collection. FBR/MoITT
Of It Businesses. taxation.

Reforming and
Implementing Legal
Provisions for Devising of Acts and Laws for More confidence on the
Intellectual Property, -------- Intellectual Property Rights, Data 6 Investor. MoL/MoC
Copyright Protection, Protection ATC.
and Contract
Agreements.

Digital Inclusivity Improvement in Policies and Upon better policies more

(Gender Balancing, -------- introduction of new policies to 6 and more rural areas will MoIT/MoHR
Rural Communities empower women, rural communities in be connected.
Empowerment). the use of digital technology.

To cater for the

Climate devastating flood
Water and Food Security

Responsive impact 4 RF strategy

To facilitate and rehab the MoPDSI/
Public have been designed -------- -------- Immediate
3. Environment

flood affectees of 2022. MoCC

Investment. (Resilient, recovery,
rehabilitation, and
reconstruction).

Economic and
development
Green Growth policies with a MoPDSI/
-------- -------- 6 --------
Framework. focus on MoCC
climate impact
technologies.
 TIMELINES
KEY INITIATIVES / RESPON-
5Es KEY AREA
DELIVERABLE
OBJECTIVES
SIBILITY
IMPLEMENTED UNDER IMPLEMENTATION TIME (MONTHS)

Development of risk instruments and

Mobilizing climate credit facilities like parametric Advocating for climate justice
Climate finance through -------- insurance, catastrophe bonds, and as a pathfinder country of the MoPDSI/
6
Finance. diplomacy. climate/nature performance bonds for Loss and Damage Fund. MoCC
resilience.

Plans to
strengthen
pollution
control.
Use climate-
smart services
and NBS.
Resilient Green MoPDSI/
Cities. -------- infrastructure, -------- 12-36 -------- MoCC
engage
communities.
Water and Food Security

Promote green
infrastructure
3. Environment

for flood
control and
ground water
recharge.

Modernizing
irrigation and
Food -------- drainage -------- -------- Ministry
12-36 of Food
Security. Prioritizing
climate-smart
agriculture.

Sustainable groundwater
governance.
Water Rationalized water pricing/agricul- --------
-------- -------- 12-36 M/O WR
Governance. ture incentives.
Green infrastructure for
groundwater recharge.

MEPS for Gas based Domestic

Appliances.
MEPS for Air- Conditioner and
Building -------- Refrigerator. To achieve 4.7 Billion per
Sector. -------- 12 PEC/MoHW
Energy audits of The public annum financial impact.
buildings.
Energy Conservation Building
Codes.

MEPS for Industrial Motors.

Tune up Programme of Gas/Coal
Industrial based Industrial boilers. 12 To achieve 114 billion per
Sector. -------- -------- annum financial impact. MoE/MoInd
Tune up Programs of Gas based.
Industrial furnaces and HFO based
captive gensets.
Affordable and Efficient

Launching a motor vehicle tune

up centre programme.
Launching a tractor tune up centre
4. Energy

programme. To achieve 1.55 billion per

Transport -------- -------- Development and implementation 12 MoC
Sector. annum financial impact.
of fuel economy standards for.
Cars, Buses, and Trucks
30% shift to Electric Vehicles (2, 3,
and 4 wheelers) by 2030.

Diesel Tube-wells Tune up

Programme. To achieve financial impact
Agriculture -------- -------- 12 Agriculture
Electric Tube-wells Efficiency up to $629 Million per
Sector.
Improvement Programme. annum.
Solar Water Pumping.

High pressure cogeneration Launching of Programme to

program. shift the low-pressure
Power Sector. -------- -------- 12-36 cogeneration to high pressure Energy
National Eelectricity Plan.
Establish Iindependent System with an annual energy saving
of 830 KWh and 10 billion
and Market Operator (ISMO).
USD/annum.

107
 TIMELINES
KEY INITIATIVES / RESPON-
5Es KEY AREA
DELIVERABLE
OBJECTIVES
SIBILITY
IMPLEMENTED UNDER IMPLEMENTATION TIME (MONTHS)

Improve Education
The framework is designed to
access to Mo
-------- -------- 12-36 get access of fair and just
healthcare Health and health care system covering Education/
and Population physical, mental, and MoH
education psychological health care
services. Least-Developed needs.
Regions
Enhance the
quality of
existing
health and
education
services.

Enhance
access to
family
planning
services and
increase
contraceptive
prevalence.

Increase the
Education, Health, Population and Development of Least-Developed Regions

uptake of
education by
girls at the
primary level.

Increase the
provision of
mental health
and
psychological
support.

Support
5. Equity

deworming
and
immunization
initiatives.

Promote
awareness
about sexual
and
reproductive
health and
rights.

Promote
awareness
about
population
planning and
control as a
core
element of all
public
communica-
tion and
development
strategies

Improve
socioeco-
nomic
conditions of
the poorest
regions of the
country
through
targeted
interventions
and
affirmative
action.

108
 M&E TYPE KEY CRITERIA POINT(S)

Field based monitoring / At-least 10% of selected PSDP projects, worth Rs. 2 billion to Rs. 10 billion.
Inspection / validation
MONITORING

Desk-based and technology-en-

All PSDP projects, irrespective of size, duration, type, and funding-source.
abled monitoring

At-least 20% of selected PSDP projects with 60% completion, worth Rs. 10 billion or more, and with
Third-Party Monitoring (TPM) emphasis on: large-scale infrastructure dev projects; projects which are slow- progressing, either physical
or financial progress; and special initiatives.

Formative, mid-term Ongoing projects, having more than 3 years of tenure / life Projects, worth Rs. 2 billion or more with
evaluation emphasis on: projects having major contribution on national infrastructure, foreign funding projects, and
projects which are of strategic nature and/or of political importance.

Expectedly 10-15% of the projects completing in 2022-23, worth Rs. 2 billion or more, for which PC-IV will
EX-POST EVALUATION

Summative, project end-evalua- be submitted to Projects having perpetual liabilities, and/or related future initiatives. Projects having major
tions using non-experimental contribution on national infrastructure, foreign funding projects, and projects which are of strategic nature
approaches and/or of political importance.

Impact evaluations, using

Randomized Control Trial (RCT) Selected projects completed 2-3 years before, worth Rs. 2 billion and above having significant contribu-
or other experimental tion on national infrastructure, and/or flagship initiatives.
approaches

Reviews / Assessments Any project/ programme, meeting above criteria for which quick review/ assessment (mainly qualitative)
is required.

109
Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives
P Block, Pak Secretariat, Islamabad, Pakistan

www.pc.gov.pk