ISLAMABAD: The Central Development Working Party (CDWP), chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives and Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Ahsan Iqbal, approved nine major development projects on Saturday. Seven schemes worth Rs. 34.66 billion were cleared at the CDWP level, while two large projects costing Rs. 44.62 billion were referred to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final approval.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Planning Awais Manzur Sumra, the VC of PIDE, the Chief Economist, federal secretaries, heads of provincial P&D departments, and senior representatives of federal ministries and provincial governments. The agenda covered key sectors including education, governance, health, higher education, IT, housing, power, transport, communications and water resources.
Higher Education
A revised project — Establishment of University of Turbat (Phase-II) worth Rs. 1,930.330 million — was approved. The project features construction of a new academic block, student hostels, faculty housing, roads, drainage, water and sewerage systems, solar installations, electrification, IT networking, furniture, books, journals, laboratory equipment, and operational vehicles.
While approving the project, Ahsan Iqbal said Balochistan’s development remains central to the PML-N’s vision, recalling scholarships, university expansions, and investment in mining engineering programs during previous tenures. He directed the university to expand library resources, restore funding for labs, and install solar systems. He also called for student study tours to Islamabad and other major cities. CDWP members welcomed the decisions.
Information Technology
The revised IT sector project Automation of Pakistan Post worth Rs. 6,644.830 million—funded through the Export-Import Bank of Korea—was approved. The initiative aims to digitally transform 2,761 post offices through a Core Banking Solution, centralized data systems, improved remittances, e-commerce COD automation, logistics modernization, and a primary data center with disaster recovery capabilities.
Officials noted that the project—first approved in 2017 at Rs. 2.2 billion—was abandoned by the previous government, causing cost escalation to Rs. 6.5 billion and significant revenue losses as competitors digitalized rapidly. The minister said modernization is essential to restore Pakistan Post’s competitiveness and secure a major share in the expanding e-commerce market.
Other Approved Projects
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Education & Training: Establishment of Daanish School at Chitral, KP — Rs. 3,319.729 million
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Governance: Enhancement of Capacity of Federal Government Entities (Umbrella Programme) — Rs. 5,431.500 million
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Health: Establishment of Stroke Intervention & Expansion of Critical Care/Cardiac Facilities at PIMS — Rs. 7,220.956 million
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Physical Planning & Housing: Project Readiness Financing (PRF) for Punjab Intermediate Cities Improvement Investment Program — Rs. 4,836.717 million
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Power Sector: Rehabilitation of Khyber I, II & III and Nagar Khas I & II Hydropower Stations and related works — Rs. 5,274.510 million
Projects Recommended to ECNEC
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Transport & Communications:
Construction of Link Highway (4-lane) from Umerkot at LSM to Narang Mandi, including Narowal Eastern Bypass — Rs. 28,964.144 million
The revised PC-I includes a 23 km road section and a 10.60 km bypass, based on updated flood-level hydrological assessments and revised NHA and FWO cost rates. -
Water Resources:
Pehur High Level Canal Extension Project — Rs. 15,654.190 million
Co-financed by ADB, KP Government, and farmers, the project involves pressure pipelines, new canal systems, cross-drainage structures, land leveling, high-efficiency irrigation systems, and residential and operational facilities.
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to transparent development, improved project monitoring, and strengthening public service institutions to support sustainable national growth.
