Pakistan’s federal lawmakers have cleared the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s development spending plan for the next fiscal year, backing 14 projects worth Rs. 12.831 billion under PSDP 2026-27. The approval came during a meeting of the Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting held in Islamabad today.
The session took place at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and was chaired by Mr. Pullain Baloch, MNA. Lawmakers reviewed the ministry’s Public Sector Development Programme proposals along with plans submitted by its attached public bodies.
After reviewing detailed briefings from department heads, the committee endorsed the project-wise allocations for PSDP 2026-27. Members also recommended that the Ministry of Planning and Development formally include the proposals in the national PSDP for the upcoming fiscal year.
At the same time, the committee urged the Finance and Planning Divisions to prioritize these projects and ensure the timely release of funds. Lawmakers stressed that delayed or partial payments slow down implementation. Most projects involve equipment procurement, and such equipment cannot be purchased in parts. As a result, piecemeal funding often leads to costly delays.
The development plan for 2026-27 focuses on upgrading key state media institutions. These include Pakistan Television Corporation, Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation, and Associated Press of Pakistan Corporation. The ministry also aims to strengthen Pakistan’s global image through coordinated media efforts and youth engagement initiatives.
In addition, the plan includes AI-based strategic communication training for officers of the Information Group and media professionals. The ministry also proposed solarization of selected PBC and PTV stations to reduce operational costs and improve sustainability.
Officials informed the committee that six ongoing projects are expected to conclude during the current financial year, 2025-26. However, this depends on the timely release of Rs. 2.929 billion by the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives.
Several MNAs attended the meeting, including Mr. Nadeem Abbas, Ms. Kiran Imran Dar, Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, Ms. Kiran Haider, Ms. Mehtab Akbar Rashdi, and Ms. Sehar Kamran. The Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and senior officials from attached departments were also present.
