Introduction
Located within the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, The Planning Commission of Pakistan provides strategic direction for the nation’s economic and infrastructure development. Established in 1953, it serves as the brain trust for translating government aspirations into tangible realities, weaving together a tapestry of progress on a national scale.
A Journey through Time
- 1953: The nascent Commission emerges, tasked with formulating Pakistan’s First Five-Year Plan, laying the foundation for centralized planning.
- 1970s: Evolving beyond economic blueprints, the Commission embraces social sectors, promoting human development alongside infrastructure projects.
- 1990s: Decentralization takes center stage, with provincial planning units gaining prominence and stakeholder participation encouraged.
- 2023 and beyond: The Commission adapts to a dynamic global landscape, focusing on inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, and knowledge-based economies.
The Planning Commission’s unwavering vision is to build a prosperous and progressive Pakistan, where every citizen enjoys the fruits of development.
Vision and Mission
Its mission is to achieve this vision through:
- Strategic planning: Formulating long-term development plans and frameworks encompassing diverse sectors.
- Policy direction: Advising the government on economic, social, and infrastructure policies aligned with national priorities.
- Project evaluation: Scrutinizing development projects for feasibility, impact, and optimal resource allocation.
- Monitoring and evaluation: Tracking progress towards development goals and ensuring efficient implementation of plans.
Goals
- Accelerated economic growth: Stimulating private sector investment, fostering innovation, and building a competitive national economy.
- Poverty reduction and social justice: Ensuring equitable access to basic necessities, education, and healthcare for all citizens.
- Sustainable development: Balancing economic progress with environmental protection and resource conservation.
- Human capital formation: Investing in education, skill development, and healthcare to empower future generations.
- Regional integration: Strengthening connections within Pakistan and forging strategic partnerships internationally.
Functions
- Planning and policy formulation: Drafting national development plans, sector-specific policies, and strategic frameworks.
- Project appraisal and approval: Evaluating the feasibility and financial viability of proposed development projects.
- Resource allocation and mobilization: Overseeing the efficient allocation of public funds and attracting private investment.
- Monitoring and evaluation: Tracking progress towards development goals, analyzing outcomes, and recommending course corrections.
- Technical assistance and capacity building: Providing technical expertise and training to government agencies and stakeholders.
A Collaborative Path towards Progress
With a commitment to participatory and collaborative planning, the Commission works hand-in-hand with Parliament, Ministries/Divisions, Provinces, Special Areas, the private sector, academia, civil society, and even the diaspora. This inclusive approach, enshrined in the new development paradigm, positions the Commission as a facilitator, steward, and integrator in driving economic policy and reforms in the post-devolution scenario.
Fulfilling its Mandate
To achieve these ambitious goals, the Planning Commission takes on a multitude of responsibilities as outlined in Schedule II of the Rules of Business 1973. These include:
- National Planning: Drafting and regularly reviewing the National Plan, ensuring its effective implementation through monitoring and evaluation.
- Annual Planning and ADP: Formulating the annual plan and overseeing the Annual Development Program (ADP).
- Project Monitoring and Evaluation: Rigorously scrutinizing the execution of major development projects and programs to ensure optimal outcomes.
- Project Portfolio Stimulation: Actively stimulating the development of high-quality projects in regions and sectors facing project portfolio deficiencies.
- Economic Policy Coordination: Continuously assessing the economic landscape and coordinating various economic policies for efficient governance.
- Research and Analysis: Conducting research and analytical studies to inform sound economic decision-making.
Through its commitment to strategic planning, collaborative action, and execution, the Planning Commission strives for a brighter future for every Pakistani.
Chairman
Chairman’s Profile
Deputy Chairman
Mohammad Jehanzeb Khan currently holding the position of Deputy Chairman for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, brings in over 35 years of experience in public service. His leadership spans federal and provincial governments, with notable roles as Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue and Secretary of the Board of Investment, showcasing proficiency in public financial management and economic growth strategies.
Jehanzaib Khan’s expertise extend to development initiatives, evidenced by leadership roles in the Planning & Development Departments of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He served as Commercial Counsellor at the Pakistani Embassy in France, playing a vital role in nurturing bilateral ties. Currently, he applies his knowledge as Vice Chair of the Public Private Partnership Authority and Chancellor of the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics.
His versatile skill set includes aid coordination, business promotion, and infrastructure projects, making Mr. Khan a valuable asset to the Commission.
Member Coordination/Secretary
Mr. Awais Manzur Sumra is a seasoned professional with nearly 30 years of experience in serving the federal and provincial governments as a member of Pakistan Administrative Service. He is currently working as Secretary, Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives.
Since his first posting as Assistant Commissioner at North-West Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) in 1995, Mr. Sumra has served on various key fields, staff and secretariat assignments. These include Special Secretary – Ministry of Finance, Additional Secretary – Establishment Division, Joint Secretary – Ministry of Finance, Finance Secretary – Gilgit-Baltistan, Director – Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority, and Deputy General Manager – Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority. He also served as Senior Advisor to Executive Director at the World Bank Group in Washington D.C (USA) as well as Commercial Counsellor- Embassy of Pakistan, Athens (Greece).
He earned his master’s degree in Finance from London Business School in 2005 and a Master of Business Administration from Stockholm University in 2002. Earlier, he studied at University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore to earn a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. He also did his Bachelor of Art from University of Punjab in 1991.
Chief Economist
Profile of Chief Economist
Members
Mr. Rafiullah Kakar (Member Social Sector)
Rafiullah Kakar, as the Member Social Sector & Devolution at the Planning Commission of Pakistan, spearheads policy research and strategic project identification for key social sectors. This includes education, health, youth and women empowerment, poverty alleviation, and population. He joined the Planning Commission in October 2022, bringing over 12 years of distinguished experience in public and international development organizations in Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
His expertise encompasses social development, youth development, education reforms, conflict management, public-private partnerships, and the political economy of institutional reforms. Previously, as the CEO of Balochistan Public Private Partnership Authority, he contributed significantly. Mr. Kakar is also involved in teaching modules for various management courses at the National School of Public Policy.
With an extensive publishing record, including academic articles, book chapters, and over 40 opinion pieces in leading English dailies, such as Dawn, Express Tribune, and The News, Rafiullah Kakar adds depth to public discourse. He holds two master’s degrees from the University of Oxford, achieved through the prestigious Rhodes scholarship
Dr. Waqas Anwar (Member Infrastructure)
Dr. Waqas Anwar, currently the Member Infrastructure and Regional Connectivity at the Planning Commission of Pakistan, is responsible for formulating Annual and Five-Year National Plans, focusing on infrastructure sectors such as Transport and Communication, Water Resource, Water Supply, Sanitation, and Housing. His role spans the entire project lifecycle, from preparation and appraisal to approval, implementation, and completion.
Joining the Planning Commission in September 2022, Dr. Anwar brings a remarkable professional background from both military and civil services. With experience in implementing diverse infrastructure projects, he has also played a crucial role in Belt and Road Initiative projects, particularly in challenging environments of Sub-continent and Western Africa under the United Nations. Notably, he served as a senior project manager for the Western Route of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), contributing to significant projects like N-85, M-8, and M-14.
Dr. Anwar, a qualified research scholar with two Ph.D. degrees in Industrial Engineering and Civil Engineering, has received two military awards for his meritorious services to the country, presented by the Chief of Army Staff of the Pakistan Army.
Ms Nadia Rehman (Member Climate Change)
Miss Nadia Rehman serves as a Member Food Security and Climate Change at the Planning Commission of Pakistan, focusing on the disaster resilience agenda and leading initiatives for concessional climate finance in public investment. With prior roles as a consultant for the World Bank Group, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), she brings diverse expertise.
A graduate of Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Duke University, Rehman’s work and writing center on green development and disaster vulnerability. A dedicated advocate for sustainable development, she represents Pakistan globally, making significant contributions. Her role as a valuable asset to the Government of Pakistan and a notable figure for women exemplifies her commitment.