The Commerce Ministry has spent only 10% of the funds allocated under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) for the fiscal year 2025-26, as informed to the Senate Standing Committee on Commerce.

The Commerce Secretary attributed this low utilization to federal government austerity measures, implemented earlier in FY26, resulting in several expenditures being halted or canceled.

Trade Missions Performance

The committee reviewed the performance of Pakistan's trade missions abroad. It was noted that out of 57 operational missions, 10 newly established missions remained vacant. However, the Commerce Secretary assured that appointments for these vacant positions would be made soon, with new trade missions opened in Greece, Baghdad, and Kuwait.

Budget and Fund Utilization by TDAP

The committee also discussed the budget and fund utilization by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). Officials disclosed that out of Rs. 2.4 billion allocated to TDAP, Rs. 1.73 billion had been released, with Rs. 565 million spent on salaries in the past six months. Additionally, Rs. 246 million was utilized for promotional activities. Last year's major expos, such as FoodAg, Texpo, and EHCS, generated a turnover of $2.42 billion.

Committee members encouraged TDAP to focus on the mineral sector and consider establishing it as a separate industry.