Latest news with #DisbursementLinkedIndicators
Business Recorder
01-08-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
WHT lines, T&T system and single portal: DLIs lag behind targets under PRR project: World Bank
ISLAMABAD: The Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs) regarding reduction in withholding tax (WHT) lines, implementation of track and trace system, harmonisation of definition of goods and services, and rollout of single portal to all sectors are lagging behind the targets under the Pakistan Raises Revenue project, says the World Bank. Official documents revealed that the bank has rated the overall implementation progress of the project worth $400 million moderately satisfactory, observing that Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is taking measures to address challenges and improve implementation of these DLIs. The bank's official documents revealed that $328.75 million, i.e. 83.22 percent of the financing have been disbursed so far while undisbursed amount stands at $66.28 million. PRR project: World Bank approves additional $70m credit The bank has approved an additional $70 million credit in June 2025 for the project to boost Pakistan's domestic revenue collection and improve tax compliance. This additional financing brings the total amount of resources under the project to $470 million. The bank stated that overall satisfactory progress is noted towards achievement of project development objectives. There is improved performance in several Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs; also mentioned as Performance Based Conditions), as confirmed by the third party validation report and the World Bank team. The tax expenditure and revenue forecast reports have been published for fiscal year 2024, while reports for fiscal year 2025 are being prepared (DL1 2). Single returns portal for GST and General Sales Tax on Services (GSTS) has been rolled out with four provincial GSTS authorities, covering the telecom, microfinance and oil and gas sectors (DLI 7). Key Performance Indicators based bi-annual and annual progress reports have been published for fiscal year 2024 (DLI 10). The FBR has achieved project-end targets of DLI 5 (identification of new taxpayers through automated data sharing and ICT-based business intelligence), DLI 6 (risk-based audit), DLI 9 (FBR core business processes simplified and automated), and DLI 10 (organizational effectiveness and transparency). However, DLIs 1 (reduction in WHT lines), 4 (implementation of track and trace system), 3 & 7 (harmonization of definition of goods and services, and rollout of single portal to all sectors) are lagging behind relevant targets. The FBR is taking measures to address challenges and improve implementation of these DLIs. The procurement of equipment for data center under component 2 are in process. As per the government's request, the project restructuring and additional financing for its Component 2 has been approved. The additional financing will support activities in FBR's new transformation plan until fiscal year 2027. The technical streams have not been established in FBR. However, the FBR officers are assigned to different positions relevant to technical/core and non-core functions, such as procurement, internal audit, communications etc. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
25-04-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
WB's mission reviews progress of NHSP
LAHORE: In a move aimed at strengthening primary healthcare in Punjab, the World Bank's Implementation Support Mission for the National Health Support Programme (NHSP) Punjab convened a special session to assess ongoing progress, reaffirm strategic priorities, and finalize the Programme's Restructuring Paper. The World Bank (WB) mission is focused on accelerating reforms to improve access, equity, and the overall quality of healthcare services across the province. The meeting, chaired by Dr Jahanzeb Hussain Labar, Additional Secretary (Vertical Programs)/Project Director NHSP, brought together the representatives of NHSP and aligned programme and WB experts to review progress on Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs 1–11), assess environmental and social safeguards including the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) evaluate procurement and financial performance, and chart the next steps for NHSP's restructuring. While presiding over the session, the PD NHSP informed the WB Mission that essential inputs for establishing Level-I Newborn Nursery Care units at 44 RHCs -one in each district - have been formally notified. These units will be operational in the ongoing year. The initiative aims to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality by providing timely care in rural and unprivileged areas. An integrated Referral Management System has been developed to connect Primary Healthcare (PHC) facilities with higher-level health institutions. Additionally, a feedback mechanism for Emergency Medical Records (EMR) will soon be implemented across Punjab to strengthen continuity of care. Dr Jahanzeb also provided a detailed briefing on the establishment of integrated TB screening clinics at Rural Health Centers (RHCs), aimed at enhancing early detection and improving access to diagnostic services. These clinics offering sputum microscopy, Xpert MTB/RIF testing, chest X-rays, and clinical evaluations are expected to help detect an estimated 56,000 additional TB cases annually, significantly contributing to the province's TB control efforts. The PD NHSP highlighted initiatives to boost immunization coverage, strengthen the Health Information System, and roll out the Community Health Inspector (CHI) model to improve outreach in underserved areas. He also shared progress on the Learning Management System (LMS) to provide standardized training for healthcare providers and managers across Punjab. The Implementation Support Mission was led by Manav Bhattarai, Task Team Leader and Senior Health Specialist from the WB. The mission comprised technical experts and representatives from the global lender and the Global Financing Facility (GFF), including specialists in health systems, finance, procurement, environment, and social development. The PMU-NHSP entire team including DPD, Dr Fawad Ahmed Iftikhar, OBB, Umaid Faisal, FMS, Khalil-ur-Rehman, Communication Specialist, Karamat Ali and other were present on the occasion. The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement between the WB team and NHSP leadership on the proposed restructuring of the programme to enhance its performance and impact at the primary healthcare level across Punjab. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
