PM Shehbaz Sharif Inaugurates PSDP Data Portal for Transparent Governance
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially launched the PSDP Data Portal, a significant step toward enhancing transparent governance in Pakistan. The inauguration took place at the Pakistan Governance Forum 2026 held in Islamabad, where the Prime Minister underscored the government's commitment to accountability and public oversight in national development projects.
Emphasis on Economic Reforms and Digital Transformation
During his address, Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the need for a whole-of-government approach to boost exports and address economic challenges. He announced a reduction in per-unit electricity prices by approximately nine rupees and called for concerted efforts to combat electricity theft, which costs the nation around 200 billion rupees annually. To prevent financial leakages, the Prime Minister confirmed the complete closure of Utility Stores and the Pakistan Works Department.
In a move to support vulnerable families, the government provided a direct subsidy of 38 billion rupees through digital wallets during the recent Ramazan. Looking ahead to the upcoming budget, Shehbaz Sharif stressed the importance of reducing direct taxation to facilitate the business community and urged measures to avoid pilferage in sales tax, reaffirming the government's role in creating a business-friendly environment.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Economic Transformation
Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal addressed the forum, noting that international financial institutions and rating agencies now recognize Pakistan's economic transformation as a successful case study. He credited the current administration with preventing national bankruptcy through robust governance and reforms, positioning governance as the central pillar of the "Uraan Pakistan" transformational agenda.
Iqbal expressed optimism about Pakistan's potential to achieve a 1 trillion dollar economy by 2035, provided the nation fully leverages its capabilities. He called for a societal shift toward an "Economic Long March" rather than political marches, emphasizing collective effort for progress. The PSDP Data Portal, he explained, will serve as an open and transparent platform, enabling the public to monitor developments in the national development sector and ensuring accountability.
International and Provincial Perspectives on Governance
Resident Representative of UNDP Samuel Rizk highlighted that governance is not merely a technical discussion but a strategic choice critical for sustainable development. He linked good governance to sustaining livelihoods, managing living costs, building resilience against climate challenges, creating youth opportunities, and boosting confidence in public institutions.
British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott commended Pakistan's focus on economic reform and coherent export strategies, noting that effective governance reduces costs and fosters confidence among citizens and investors.
Digital Governance Advances in Provinces
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Justice retired Yar Mohammad reported that digital governance is emerging as a transformative reform in the region. The GB civil secretariat now operates with an integrated system for case management, asset tracking, biometric attendance, and district monitoring, enhancing transparency and evidence-based decision-making. He expressed confidence that Gilgit-Baltistan will become a model of climate resilience, growth, digital governance, and sustainable tourism.
Advisor to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muzammil Aslam announced that the province has completed a five-year digitalization plan in less than one year. Out of 170 identified government services for digitalization, 56 are fully digitalized, and 73 offer electronic payment options, showcasing rapid progress in tech-driven governance.
Legal Reforms and Federal Initiatives
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar emphasized that "Uraan Pakistan" provides a clear direction for national reform, with the government committed to practical and coordinated governance improvements. He linked economic growth to investor confidence, which requires clear laws, enforceable rights, and secure systems. Tarar highlighted key legal reforms, including the digitization of 176 years of legislative history through a document retrieval system and the online availability of over 900 updated federal laws via the Pakistan Code, free of cost.
Additionally, the Ministry of Law has introduced case assignment and management systems to handle thousands of federal cases efficiently, reinforcing the integration of legal and governance reforms for a transparent and progressive Pakistan.
