By Abdul Ghani

Pakistan’s $12.9 million, China-backed New Generation Geodetic Datum project is progressing, with customs duty exemption for the ninth consignment of equipment currently being processed.

According to an official document available with Wealth Pakistan, the Survey of Pakistan is implementing the project under the Ministry of Defence with financial assistance from China.

The project has a committed Chinese grant of $12.895 million, with the bilateral agreement signed on May 13, 2017. The project is scheduled for completion by June 30, 2027.

The document reveals that the project is currently under execution, while the exemption of duties on the ninth batch of equipment consignment is in process. The matter concerning the equipment shipment has been conveyed to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for necessary action.

The progress reflects continued efforts to facilitate the procurement and installation of specialised equipment required for upgrading Pakistan's geodetic reference infrastructure.

The project aims to establish a modern geodetic datum to improve the accuracy and reliability of national mapping, surveying and geographic positioning systems.

 A geodetic datum serves as a fundamental reference framework for determining precise geographic coordinates, making it essential for infrastructure planning, engineering projects, land surveys and satellite-based positioning technologies.

Establishing a new-generation system is expected to strengthen the technical capabilities of the Survey of Pakistan and improve the quality of geographic information available to public-sector institutions and development agencies.

Modern geodetic infrastructure can play an important role in the planning and execution of highways, railway networks, dams, urban development schemes and other major infrastructure projects.

It can also support improved land administration, disaster risk assessment, environmental monitoring and natural-resource management by providing more accurate spatial information.

The initiative is particularly relevant as Pakistan moves towards greater digitalisation of public services and increased use of geographic information systems in development planning.

Accurate geospatial data can help government departments improve coordination, reduce surveying discrepancies and strengthen evidence-based decision-making across multiple sectors.

The Chinese grant-supported project also highlights the growing diversification of Pakistan-China development cooperation into advanced scientific and technological fields.

Beyond conventional infrastructure investments, such initiatives are contributing to the development of specialised technical capabilities required for long-term economic modernisation.

Once completed, the New Generation Geodetic Datum project is expected to provide Pakistan with an improved national geographic reference framework, facilitating more accurate surveying operations and supporting infrastructure development across the country.

The project reflects continued bilateral cooperation in strengthening Pakistan's technological infrastructure, institutional capacity and sustainable development prospects.

Credit: INP-WealthPk