The government has allocated an amount of Rs 38.7 billion in the financial year 2012-13 in a bid to accelerate development for lesser developed regions in the country. According to the Planning Commission, Rs 5 billion have been provided for the People’s Works Program–I, as suggested by the Cabinet Division; Rs 0.19 billion have been set aside for other projects reflected in the Narcotics Control Division; and Rs 0.35 billion for Interior Division for development projects and special packages for militancy affected areas in Malakand, Swat. An amount of Rs 33.2 billion has been earmarked as block allocation for development activities in special areas for which administrations of the areas concerned are authorized to allocate funds to respective projects according to their own priorities. During the financial year 2012-13, highest priority has been given to ongoing schemes nearing completion. These development activities include federal vertical programs being implemented in various sectors, such as power generation projects, health sector program, family planning, education projects, and development projects in FATA against poppy cultivation.
