The Planning Commission of Pakistan (PCP) has so far released Rs 112.4 billion under its Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) against the total allocations of Rs 233 billion for the fiscal year 2012-13.

Out of total, Rs 60.8 billion have been released for 345 infrastructure development projects while Rs 48.7 billion for 688 social sector projects were released up to January 18, according to the latest data of the Planning Commission.

Similarly, Rs 1.2 billion have been released for 71 other projects and Rs 2 billion for Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA). According to data, these releases have been made against Rs 233 PSDP allocations.

It is pertinent to mention here that the total size of the PSDP for the year 2012-13 is Rs 360, including Rs 100 billion foreign aid, which is managed by Economic Affairs Division and Rs 27 billion special programmes, release of which are made by Cabinet Division or Finance Division.

According to break up details total cost of 345 infrastructure projects has been estimated at Rs 2320.3 billion, out of which Rs 211.1 billion have been earmarked in the 2012-13 budget that include Rs 85.6 billion as foreign aid.

Likewise, the total cost of social sector projects is Rs 549.8, of which Rs 135.9 billion have been allocated in the current PSDP with foreign aid of Rs 8.4 billion.

The cost of other projects has been estimated at Rs 40.6 billion out of which Rs 3 billion have been earmarked in the PSDP 2012-13 while Rs 10 billion have been earmarked for ERRA in the current development programme.

The Planning Commission of Pakistan has been following a proper mechanism for the release of funds and accordingly funds are released as per given mechanism.

The commission releases 20 per cent of funds in first quarter (July-September), 20 per cent in second quarter (October-December), 25 per cent in third quarter (January-March) and 35 per cent in fourth quarter (April-June).