Client: DFID. [Role: Transport Economist]
																	

																		
Government of the Punjab developed ‘Punjab Jobs & Competitiveness Program for Results,’ with the assistance of World Bank, to support sustainable economic development in Punjab. Punjab Spatial Strategy (PSS) iss one of the key components of the Program. The aim was not only to build foundations of geospatial data but also deploy this spatial database for effective use in policymaking especially in relation to development programs. Using new technologies and strategies for geospatial data, Punjab can exploit alternative information sources such as acquiring remotely sensed data in addition to using conventional survey technology.
PSS is a long-term spatial planning framework for the province of Punjab. The objective of the strategy is to reflect current trends and functional relationships across multiple sectors throughout the province. It sets out spatial policies to provide direction to the pattern of public and private investment in Punjab and acts as a layout plan for continuous and sustainable development in the province. These spatial policies take forward key aims of the PSS and also ensure alignment of public sector investments.
PSS aims to ensure integrated spatial planning for transforming Punjab into an economically developed and sustainable region by adding a spatial dimension to the development and planning process. The strategy also identifies potential growth corridors and nodes around which to prioritize and coordinate investments. The PSS not only integrates spatial planning vertically across provincial, regional and local levels but also links it horizontally across various public sector stakeholders. This approach will enable Punjab to move in a unified direction, building on comparative advantage and enhance competitiveness. At the same time, this approach will ensure balanced and organized spatial development across the province.
The PSS’s vision is driven by seven Strategic Objectives (SOs) layered with 25 Policy Statements (PSs) each elaborating on policy rationale, targets, key actions and stakeholders. It sets out spatial policies to provide direction to the broad pattern of public and private investment in Punjab and acts as a layout plan for continuous and sustainable development in the province.