Ayesha Saba

The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) approved seven development projects on Thursday, sanctioning three schemes worth Rs8 billion and referring four major initiatives totaling Rs228 billion to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final approval. The move paves the way for large-scale investments in education, health, transport, energy, mass media, and water resources.

The CDWP meeting was chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal. It was attended by the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Secretary Planning Awais Manzur Sumra, Chief Economist, Vice Chancellor PIDE, federal secretaries, heads of provincial P&D departments, and senior representatives from relevant ministries and divisions.

Among the approved projects is the revised “Action to Strengthen Performance for Inclusive and Responsive Education Program (TA Component)” at a cost of Rs1.38 billion. The initiative is designed to enhance education outcomes, with a particular focus on Balochistan and Islamabad Capital Territory.

In the health sector, the Rs74.9 billion Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in Lahore was referred to ECNEC. Planned in two phases, the facility will provide a 280-bed hospital equipped with advanced cancer care, a bone marrow transplant center, hospice services, and modern research facilities.

In the field of mass media, the revised “National Center for Brand Development” was approved at Rs1.85 billion to strengthen small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and promote Pakistan’s branding efforts.

In the energy sector, the Rs34.3 billion Harpo Hydropower Project in Skardu, backed by French and German financing, was referred to ECNEC after concerns were raised over delays and the underutilization of foreign funds since 2014.

In transport, the CDWP cleared the Rs4.67 billion construction of an eight-lane overhead bridge at Imamia Colony, Shahdara. Meanwhile, the land acquisition and relocation component worth Rs68.7 billion for the 959-kilometre Karachi–Lahore Motorway was referred to ECNEC for further action.

Another major scheme, the Rs49.9 billion Balochistan Water Resources Development Sector Project, was also referred to ECNEC. Supported by loans and grants from the Asian Development Bank, the initiative aims to construct dams, modernize irrigation systems, and strengthen climate resilience in the Zhob and Mula River basins.

In addition, the forum granted concept clearance for five new proposals, including three agriculture-related financing schemes from Balochistan and the issuance of a Panda Bond by the Ministry of Finance.

Credit: INP-WealthPk