ISLAMABAD: The government has taken a significant step towards promoting transparency by launching the PSDP portal, which provides access to data on ongoing and previous-year projects under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).
The newly unveiled portal will exhibit information pertaining to projects valued at Rs 1.1 trillion. Minister for Planning, Ahsan Iqbal, inaugurated the PSDP Portal at an event held in the Planning Ministry. The event witnessed the presence of the Additional Secretary of the Planning Ministry, Members of the Planning Commission, the Chairman of Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), and other stakeholders.
The PSDP, serving as a critical framework for the government’s development agenda, encompasses the federal development budget and sets sectoral and regional priorities in line with the national plan.
A statement released by the ministry emphasized the strategic utilization of digital technologies to augment transparency, enhance governance, and raise public awareness regarding the government’s development trajectory and priorities. Through this digital platform, citizens will gain greater insight into ongoing development projects nationwide. The portal facilitates understanding of each project’s objectives, scope, and impact, fostering public engagement and participation.
Minister Iqbal hailed this initiative as a groundbreaking milestone in the country’s history, affirming that it will ensure transparency in PSDP projects and directly engage citizens through the portal. He stated, “This endeavor will contribute to bridging the trust gap between the state and its citizens, which has been a persistent issue in the past.”
The online portal features an interactive map interface, enabling users to visualize the geographical distribution of projects. Users can search for projects by location, access project profiles, and gain comprehensive insights into development initiatives within specific areas.
Comment:
The launch of the PSDP portal is a significant step towards promoting transparency and accountability in Pakistan. By providing access to data on ongoing and previous-year projects, the government is fostering greater public awareness and engagement in the country’s development agenda.
The utilization of digital technologies to enhance transparency and governance is commendable. The portal’s interactive map interface and project profiles offer valuable insights into the geographical distribution and impact of development initiatives. This empowers citizens to actively participate and contribute to the decision-making process.
Transparency in the Public Sector Development Programme is essential for building trust between the state and its citizens. Minister Ahsan Iqbal’s recognition of the portal’s role in bridging this trust gap is encouraging. It demonstrates the government’s commitment to open dialogue and inclusivity in shaping the nation’s future.
Kudos to the Ministry of Planning for this groundbreaking milestone. The PSDP portal has the potential to be a powerful tool for citizens, enabling them to hold the government accountable and contribute to the country’s development trajectory. It is a commendable effort towards a more transparent and participatory governance system.