ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar on Monday lauded the role of the Asian Development Bank in modernising infrastructure and supporting various development initiatives in Pakistan
Speaking to a delegation led by ADB Central West Asian Department Director-General Werner Liepach, the federal minister added that the cooperation further needed to be expanded in the education, health, water, energy and infrastructure especially in the under developed areas of the country.
He maintained that the government under the leadership of the Prime Minister Imran Khan was committed to take necessary measures to eradicate poverty, provide education and health care facilities, ensuring equal opportunities of development and providing easy access through modern transportation with the special focus on under-developed areas across the country.
He stated that the government was working on the plans for low cost housing for the common man which was one of important point in their election manifesto.
The federal minister said that the National Transportation Policy and its implementation was one of the key priorities of the government.
The policy includes Railways master plan and National Highway Authority plan which would make connectivity easier and cost effective offering more opportunities for business and trade and further act as the key enabler for sustainable development and growth.
He also informed the delegation about the government’s vision of restructuring the public sector and improving the government for more efficient service delivery.
The delegation appreciated the government’s commitment of increasing the quality of life with special focus on human development and assured support on the development projects in different sectors.
In a separate meeting with Secretary BISP Omar Hamid, the ABD reiterated its commitment to support the deprived segments of the through the BISP.
The secretary said the government is more inclined towards executing social sector initiatives through indigenous funding or soft grant options. He said the ADB has a pivotal role in supporting women empowerment and poverty reduction in the country.
