A crucial meeting of the Special Economic Investment Council’s (SIFC) Apex Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is currently underway. The session, attended by federal ministers, military leaders, and provincial chief ministers, including Maryam Nawaz, Murad Ali Shah, Sarfraz Bugti, and Ali Amin Gandapur, aims to address pressing concerns regarding investment in the country.
Former caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar and his cabinet are also participating in the meeting, which is expected to delve into various aspects related to investment in Pakistan. An extensive briefing on the SIFC is slated to be a key component of the agenda.
The SIFC plays a pivotal role in aligning financial allocations between the federal government and provinces, with an estimated Rs1 trillion earmarked for federal funding. The council facilitates subsidies and projects within provincial jurisdiction, including significant initiatives such as the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) and the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP). It also oversees investments in critical sectors like higher education, electricity provision for tube wells, and fertilizer subsidies.
Through its initiatives, the SIFC aims to alleviate financial burdens on the federal government while ensuring efficient utilization of funds at the provincial level. This meeting underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and development across all regions of Pakistan.
