SIFC cell established in K-P's planning dept
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chairing the meeting of the Apex Committee of Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in Islamabad on Thursday, March 21, 2024. PHOTO: PID
A Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) cell has been established in K-P's Planning and Development Department with a view to effectively coordinate on business-related activities in the province.
This was briefed during a weekly review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah on Monday to assess progress of the tasks assigned to various departments in an effort to enhance governance.
The SIFC cell would work in the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Unit of the department.
The meeting also discussed beautification of Peshawar. It was informed that feasibility study in this regard would be completed within three months.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Home), relevant secretaries, and officials, said a press statement issued.
Updates on the PPP-mode projects in 11 sectors were also presented during the meeting.
The Performance Management and Reforms Unit (PMRU) was directed to generate tasks and ensure effective tracking. A weekly update on the tasks will be presented to the chief secretary to monitor progress.
During the meeting, officials informed the meeting that the Tracking Sheet System in the Planning and Development Department has been revived to monitor the progress of development projects, ensuring their timely and efficient completion.
The chief secretary emphasized strict adherence to timelines for all public interest tasks and directed expedited approval of the remaining development schemes.
A briefing was also presented on strengthening and restructuring the Performance Management and Reforms Unit. Additionally, an update on the Paperless Government System was shared, with MD K-P ITB outlining its implementation plan.
The chief secretary instructed all departments to be fully prepared for system operationalisation by April 30, aiming to enhance e-governance, improve administrative efficiency, and ensure transparency in government operations.
Furthermore, the meeting was informed that the E-Pak Acquisition and Disposal System (E-PADS) has been launched in eight provincial departments, including Public Health Engineering, Irrigation, Communications and Works, Local Government, Health, Science and Technology, K-P IT Board, and K-P EZDMC.
A province-wide rollout is planned in the next phase, with all provincial departments mandated to conduct procurement through E-PADS from July 1, minimizing human intervention and reducing errors.
Updates on the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA) initiatives were also reviewed, including progress on the Northern Section of the Ring Road, completion of the New General Bus Terminal, and bottleneck clearance at Abdara and Tehkal Bala BRT Stations, which is 60 per cent complete.
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