Advertisement - ISLAMABAD, Mar 17 (APP):The Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) plays a pivotal role in facilitating coordination between the Federal Government and provinces in Pakistan. The IPC fosters cooperation and collaboration in key areas, including Economic Development, Cultural Exchange and Administrative Affairs. IPC Ministry also promotes uniformity of approach in policymaking and implementation in all fields of common interest, and provision of a platform for discussion on policy issues received from the provinces, and therefore, playing a pivotal role in strengthening the federation. A number of departments/organizations have been assigned to IPC Ministry which includes, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council (PVMC), National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA), National Internship Programme (NIP), Department of Tourist Services (DTS), Federal Land Commission (FLC), and Gun & Country Club (GCC). Currently the Ministry is working on establishing the Arshad Nadeem/Shehbaz Sharif High Performance Sports Academy here at the Pakistan Sports Complex. The academy’s goal is to provide international-level services, facilities, and staff to support elite athletes and ensure a strong performance at the 2028 Olympics. The Ministry also completed the Synthetic Hockey Turf at Wah Cantt project, aimed at providing infrastructure for talent development and coaching, enabling the organization of international, national, and regional competitions. Similarly the Quaid-e-Azam Inter Provincial Games, 2024 were successfully held from December 13-19, 2024, with around 3000 participants from all provinces and regions. The event aimed to promote national harmony and engage youth in sports for healthier activities and entertainment. A summary on a quota for sportspersons in departmental recruitment and promotion was submitted for approval in October 2024, aiming to provide livelihood and incentives for sportspersons. A new draft National Sports Policy (2025-29) is also under consideration to improve Pakistan’s sports regime, focusing on 16 key areas such as anti-doping, gender inclusivity, and youth engagement. PSB which comes under IPC also supported Pakistan’s participation in multiple international games, including the BRICS Sports Games, Children of Asia Games, and the 33rd Olympic Games, winning multiple medals. PSB organized the Quaid-e-Azam Inter Provincial Games with 3000 participants and hired foreign coaches to train athletes. Out of a final grant of Rs 1,161.270 million, Rs 1,153.919 million was utilized in Fiscal Year 2023-2024, with expenditures across various categories like employees’ expenses (99% utilization) and physical assets (100% utilization). The budget for FY 2024-2025 is Rs. 1,207.500 million, and expenditures are ongoing. The PVMC which comes under IPC focuses on standardizing veterinary education and qualifications, regulating the practice of veterinarians, and strengthening the livestock sector. It also aims for international accreditation of veterinary institutions, facilitates online registration for veterinary practitioners, and offers faculty training programs. PVMC has accredited three veterinary institutions and registered 2200 students, 196 faculty members, and 1133 practitioners. It also issued 45 Letters of Good Professional Standing for international licensing. PVMC received a government grant of Rs 25.2 million and generated Rs 17.9 million from own resources, totaling Rs 43.1 million. Meanwhile the expenditures were Rs 53.6 million, resulting in a shortfall of Rs 10.5 million. PYMC also activated a toll free number (0800-55440), which is being published in the newspapers for the vide range public information throughout the country. An alert has also been published in the newspapers for parent/students to take admission in accredited veterinary institutions. Another department which comes under IPC, the Federal Land Commission (FLC) since its inception, has resolved 9,060 cases, resumed 3,756,227 acres of land from 5,566 landlords, and allotted 3,223,193 acres to 437,593 tenants. A remaining 177,386 acres are available for allotment. FLC had a budget of Rs 145.168 million, of which Rs 143.141 million was spent on employee salaries and operational costs to support its functions. The FLC resumed and allotted large areas of land to tenants, implementing the objectives of Land Reforms. The Department of Tourist Services (DTS) has also been converted to a paperless department, with all services now offered through an E-Licensing Portal and internal communication managed via e-filing. Since February 2024, DTS issued licenses for 12 hotels, 45 restaurants, 67 travel agencies, and 73 tourist guides. It also renewed 91 hotel licenses, 148 restaurant licenses, 550 travel agency licenses, and 282 tourist guide licenses. The department collected Rs 43.498 million in revenue, with an allocated budget of Rs 30.99 million for 2023-2024 and Rs 29.99 million for 2024-2025. Expenditures so far total are Rs 25.854 million.