ISLAMABAD, May 4: Pakistan’s rising backlog of development projects and escalating costs are highlighting the need for more disciplined project planning, with experts pointing to China’s execution model as a reference for improving efficiency and long-term outcomes.
Analysts say the challenge is no longer limited to financing but extends to project selection, preparation, and timely completion, as inefficiencies continue to affect infrastructure delivery and economic returns.
Growing project backlog and rising costs
According to recent assessments, the cost of completing Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) projects has reached around Rs10.7 trillion, significantly exceeding annual allocations. Weaknesses in project appraisal, monitoring, and execution have contributed to delays and cost overruns.
While the National Economic Council approved a development outlay of Rs4.224 trillion for 2025–26, experts say better planning and execution remain critical to improving outcomes.
Lessons from China’s planning model
China’s infrastructure planning is based on long-term strategies supported by medium-term frameworks such as Five-Year Plans, ensuring alignment with national priorities. Early approvals and clear sequencing of projects have enabled more efficient execution across sectors.
Experts note that China’s approach integrates planning, resource allocation, and execution through coordinated institutional mechanisms, supported by strong monitoring systems.
Challenges in Pakistan’s system
In contrast, Pakistan’s reliance on annual planning cycles often leads to disruptions due to political transitions and shifting priorities. Issues such as weak accountability, design changes, delays in land acquisition, and limited post-completion evaluation continue to affect project performance.
Specialists say these gaps result in fragmented planning and reduce the overall impact of public investment on economic growth.
Need for structural reforms
Experts recommend reforms including stronger project leadership, clearer accountability mechanisms, and improved coordination between federal and provincial institutions. They also emphasise the importance of completing feasibility studies, securing land, and ensuring financing before project approvals.
They further highlight the need to align infrastructure development with sectors such as industry, trade, and technology to support broader economic growth.
Way forward
Economists say Pakistan’s infrastructure challenges stem from planning and execution gaps rather than funding alone. Adopting a more structured, long-term approach could help reduce delays, control costs, and improve development outcomes.
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