The National Assembly had passed the development package, which includes major transport, water, and energy projects —many of which are part of China–Pakistan cooperation frameworks.

The projects included Rs100 billion dualization of the N-25 Pakistan Expressway (Karachi–Chaman), Rs30 billion for the M-6 (Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway), Rs25 billion for the Karachi–Rohri section of the ML-1 (Main Line 1) under ADB financing, Rs2 billion for the Thar Coal Connectivity Project, and over Rs93 billion for Gwadar Port infrastructure and transport linkages across provinces.

Gwadar Pro quoting officials from the Planning Commission stated on Thursday, that these projects aim to improve freight movement, connect industrial zones, and strengthen port connectivity along key trade corridors.

In the energy and power sector, Rs116.2 billion has been allocated for generation and transmission upgrades, including major hydropower projects such as Dasu, Tarbela 5th Extension, and Mohmand.

The budget also includes Rs10.2 billion for advanced grid stability systems, including STATCOM technology, and Rs3 billion for battery energy storage systems to improve reliability and manage peak load demand.

The water sector has been allocated Rs103.1 billion for 43 ongoing and new projects amid rising concerns over water scarcity and climate vulnerability.

Major allocations include Rs14 billion for the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, Rs22 billion for the Mohmand Dam, Rs15 billion for the Dasu Hydropower Project, and Rs10 billion for the Karachi K-IV water supply scheme.

Officials noted that Pakistan continues to face serious water management challenges, including declining storage capacity and climate-induced flooding, with recent flood losses estimated at Rs822 billion, highlighting the urgency of resilient infrastructure investment.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China