Commerce Ministry Utilized Just 10% Development Funds This Fiscal Year

The Commerce Ministry has utilized just 10 percent of the funds allocated to it under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) 2025-26, the Senate Standing Committee on Commerce was informed on Monday. Secretary Commerce said this was done after the federal government’s strict orders earlier in FY26 to adhere to austerity measures as a result of which several expenditures were either halted or canceled. The committee also reviewed the performance of Pakistan’s trade missions abroad. The committee chairman noted that while 57 missions were operational, 10 newly established missions remained vacant. The Commerce Secretary assured the committee that appointments would be made soon. New trade missions in Greece, Baghdad, and Kuwait have also been opened. Officials assured that the effects of new missions would begin to show soon, and the Trade and Investment Officers (TIOs) have been instrumental in providing recommendations on export potential. The committee also discussed the budget and use of funds by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). Officials disclosed that Rs. 1.73 billion out of the Rs. 2.4 billion allocated for TDAP has been released, with Rs. 565 million spent on salaries in the past six months. Promotional activities have utilized Rs. 246 million. Last year’s major expos, such as FoodAg, Texpo, and EHCS, generated a turnover of $2.42 billion. Committee members urged TDAP to focus on minerals and to consider making it a separate industry.