Islamabad: The Central Development Working Party (CDWP), chaired by Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives (PDSI) and Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Ahsan Iqbal, has approved 12 significant development projects totaling PKR. 187 billion. This update has been featured in an article on September 16.
As per details, six of these projects, valued at PKR 19 billion, received immediate approval, while the remaining six, worth PKR 168 billion, were recommended for further consideration by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).
Key infrastructure projects discussed include the Karachi Water & Sewerage Services Improvement Project (KWSSIP) Phase-I, valued at PKR 25.47 billion, which was recommended to ECNEC with funding support from the World Bank and the Sindh Government. Additionally, the Greater Water Supply Scheme for Central Hunza from Attabad Lake, worth PKR 2.07 billion, received CDWP approval, aiming to introduce solar energy solutions to the region.
In the transport and communications sector, five major projects were reviewed, including the Inter-Regional Connectivity Between Baltistan Division and Diamer Astore Division project, valued at PKR 12.30 billion, which involves constructing a 105-km road connecting Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir. This project was also forwarded to ECNEC.
The Procurement of Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicles for New Gwadar International Airport, worth PKR 2.08 billion and self-financed by the Pakistan Airports Authority, was approved by the CDWP. Meanwhile, the Lahore Bypass Construction from Kalashah Kaku to Mulyam Road, worth PKR 34.45 billion, was recommended for ECNEC review.
Other approved infrastructure projects include the Construction/Upgradation of Dirgi Shahbozai (N-70) to Tonusa Sharif (N-55) road, costing PKR 11.55 billion, and the Construction of Ziarat Mor-Kachi-Harnai-Sanjavi Road, covering 165.7 km at a cost of PKR 24.42 billion, both referred to ECNEC for validation.
In the water resources sector, the Sindh Flood Emergency Rehabilitation Project (SFERP), valued at PKR 59.91 billion, was recommended to ECNEC. This project focuses on rehabilitating flood-damaged irrigation and drainage networks, with support from the World Bank and the Sindh Government.
In the health sector, three key projects were approved:
Establishment of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Medical College Mirpur AJ&K (revised) at PKR 5.09 billion
Establishment of a 200-bed Accident and Emergency Center at PIMS Islamabad (revised) at PKR 6.63 billion
Replacement and Upgradation of HVAC Plant Room Equipment at PIMS at PKR 1.65 billion
These projects demonstrate the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to improving healthcare, enhancing regional connectivity, and advancing critical infrastructure, all while focusing on economic resource optimisation
