Latest news with #PlanningandDevelopmentDepartment
Business Recorder
29-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Sindh CM asks two key depts to firm up budget proposals
KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah presided over a joint meeting of the Finance Department and the Planning and Development Department to firm up proposals for the upcoming fiscal year's budget. The meeting was attended by Planning and Development Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Principal Secretary Agha Wasif, Secretary Finance Fiyaz Jatoi, and other relevant officials. 'Despite today being an official holiday, we have convened this meeting of P&D and the Finance Department to finalise the upcoming fiscal year's budget,' he said, adding that more meetings would be convened soon to finalise the proposals. 'The upcoming budget must be made in the interest of the public.' Planning and Development Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah informed the chief minister that out of 4,644 ongoing development schemes, 1,812 are expected to be completed this year. He directed that funds for the development schemes nearing completion should be released immediately. He said that various departments have proposed new schemes for the next fiscal year, many of which have been suggested at local level. Murad Shah asked the relevant departments to shortlist the new proposals and present them in the next meeting. 'We will review funding in a separate meeting and finalise the new schemes accordingly,' he said, adding that during the fiscal year 2023–24, the Sindh government had initiated 1,937 new development schemes worth Rs. 88.3 billion. 'Most of those 1,937 schemes will be completed now.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
09-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Gandapur commits full royalty to Kohat
As part of the ongoing consultative sessions with elected public representatives aimed at preparing the development program for the new fiscal year at the divisional level, a significant meeting was held in Peshawar on Friday. The session, chaired by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, focused on finalizing the Annual Development Program (ADP) for the Kohat Division for the upcoming fiscal year. Members of the National and Provincial Assemblies from all five districts of the division attended the meeting, along with the Chief Minister's Advisor on Finance, senior officials from the Planning and Development Department, and the Kohat divisional administration. During the session, participants reviewed the progress of ongoing development projects across Kohat Division, as well as the current status of fund allocations. On this occasion, relevant officials provided detailed, sector-wise briefings on the implementation status of development projects underway in the region. The meeting also included comprehensive presentations on the proposed projects slated for inclusion in the forthcoming ADP. Chief Minister Gandapur instructed officials to allocate 100 per cent of the required funds in the next budget for projects that are nearing completion, underscoring that the timely completion of these ongoing initiatives would be a top priority in the upcoming fiscal cycle. He stated that 80 per cent of the development funds for the next fiscal year will be allocated to existing projects, while new initiatives addressing pressing public needs would also be considered for inclusion in the development program. "The new projects are being finalized in close consultation with the relevant elected public representatives," the Chief Minister remarked. He directed officials to prepare feasibility studies and PC-1s for new projects in a timely manner, emphasizing that drinking water supply schemes in the southern districts should be prioritized in the upcoming development plan. In addition, the Chief Minister directed that all tube well solarization projects should receive full funding in the new budget. He also urged elected representatives to submit proposals promptly for establishing schools and colleges currently operating in rented buildings within their constituencies. He called for special attention to be paid to healthcare projects in remote and underserved areas. The Chief Minister stressed that no district should be left without a District Headquarters Hospital and no tehsil without a Tehsil Headquarters Hospital. He further instructed the relevant departments to work towards improving service delivery standards in existing healthcare facilities. The meeting also discussed issues concerning the use of royalty funds from oil and gas-producing districts within Kohat Division. Chief Minister Gandapur announced that in the upcoming budget, Kohat Division would receive 100 per cent of its due royalty share. He also revealed that special development packages would be included in the ADP for the tribal areas of Kurram District that have played a vital role in supporting the government's efforts to restore peace and stability.
Business Recorder
30-04-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Minister for expediting uplift schemes related to public interest
KARACHI: Sindh Minister for Planning, Development, and Energy, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, stated that development schemes related to public interest will be completed on time. He expressed these views while presiding over a meeting of the Planning and Development Department. The meeting was attended by P&D Chairman Najam Shah and other officials. Nasir Shah said that efforts will be made to ensure the availability of funds for the completion of projects by engaging with the federal government and all relevant institutions. During the meeting, the Minister instructed that the projects for the fiscal year 2024–25 be completed on time. The meeting also reviewed new schemes for the preparation of the upcoming fiscal year's budget. Additionally, the provincial minister was briefed on the ongoing development projects. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
28-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
K-P plans roadshow for Thandiani tourism
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary, Shahab Ali Shah, chaired a weekly review meeting to assess the progress of tasks assigned to various departments, with a particular focus on high-impact development projects and governance reforms. The meeting provided a comprehensive update on the status of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects. The meeting was informed that preparations are underway to organize a roadshow this week to promote the Thandiani Tourism Project. Updates were also shared regarding the Ghanool Integrated Tourism Zone project, Swat Motorway Phase-II, Peshawar-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway, and Daraban Economic Zone initiatives. The Chief Secretary underscored the importance of ensuring full financial allocations for projects nearing completion. He directed the concerned departments to prioritize funding for high-impact projects to ensure their timely completion and to maximize public benefit. He further emphasized the critical role of the project tracking sheet and instructed the Planning and Development Department to maintain its regular updates to facilitate informed decision-making. The meeting also discussed digital governance initiatives. A trial exercise for the e-office system is planned for this week, introducing functionalities such as e-summary processing, cabinet approvals, and diary and dispatch modules. These measures aim to enhance transparency, efficiency, and service delivery. Progress on the province's e-procurement portal, E-PADS, was also reviewed. It was reported that 175 tenders have been uploaded so far, and the technical bid opening process for the Northern Section of the Ring Road Missing Link Peshawar project has been successfully completed.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dallas permit error cost city nearly $9 million in fees
The Brief A building permit fee error cost the City of Dallas about $8.6 million. This error was included in the formula for calculating permit fees for commercial remodels. Developers will see a price increase, but if the issue isn't solved, the city will continue to lose money. DALLAS - The City of Dallas says a building permit fee error led to a loss of nearly $9 million. Now, Dallas City Council is working to approve a fix to get things back on track. This error is just the latest in a string of issues involving permits with the City of Dallas over the last five years. What we know During Monday's Dallas City Council Economic Development Committee meeting, the city's Planning and Development Department revealed a staffing error in calculating the city's commercial remodel permit fees. This error cost the city about $8.6 million. According to Dallas Planning and Development, it happened after the city implemented a new permit fee structure in the spring of 2024. There was an error included in the formula for calculating permit fees for commercial remodels that resulted in a large decrease in fees for larger projects. To remedy the situation, the Planning and Development Department recommended going back to an older fee structure and adjusting for inflation. Plus, amending fees for expedited plan reviews and combining certain other fees. Developers will see a price increase, but if the issue isn't solved, the city will continue to lose money. What they're saying Dallas Planning and Development Department assistant director, Catherine Lee, said it took immediate action after learning about the shortfall. "Once we realized we had this issue, we did take proactive measures. We've had a hiring freeze other than hard to fill positions and inspector positions. We've deferred fleet replacement, limited staff over time and out-of-town travel and training," said Lee. "For every month that this item is delayed our department is forgoing an average of $1.1M per month." After the presentation, the committee members moved quickly. There was no discussion, so it moved straight to a vote. Dig deeper Over the last five years, the City of Dallas has faced other issues surrounding permits. Including a massive backlog and purchasing a $14 million building to house the city's permit staff that needed extensive renovations. What's next The City Council can take action on the recommendations on April 23 and, if approved, then the new fee pricing would go into effect on July 1. The Source Information in this article came from a Dallas City Council Economic Development Committee Meeting.
