Pak outlay Rs. 40-bn to build communications sector

Faisalabad: Federal Government has allocated an amount of Rs 40 billion in the current fiscal year 2007-08 for the development of Communications sector.

According to Ministry of Communication sources, the development of infrastructure with special focus on the road network is the government's top priority. Sources mentioned that the construction work on different mega projects costing 250 billion rupees is in progress across the country.

Official sources mentioned that the vision for the Transport and Communications (T&C) sector is the establishment of an efficient and well integrated system that will facilitate the development of a competitive economy and poverty reduction, while ensuring safety in mobility, accessibility and effective connectivity.

The strategic thrust is on optimal utilisation of the existing capacity, improved management for maintenance and operation and co-ordinated use of various modes of transport. Private sector participation in the sector would be enhanced and institutional capacity building and research and development activities undertaken to enhance the efficiency of T&C sector.

The transport sector currently accounts for 11 percent of GDP, 16 percent of fixed investment, 35 percent of the total annual energy use, and about 15 percent of the Public Sector Development Programme. The T&C sector covers roads, road transport, railways, ports and shipping, aviation and telecommunications. The sector has direct and indirect linkage with all important sectors of the economy, which influence economic and social development.