Islamabad, The Central Development Working Party (CDWP), in a marathon meeting chaired by the Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives and Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, which lasted over six hours approved a total of ten development projects. Out of these, five projects with a cumulative cost of Rs. 15.9 billion were approved at the CDWP level. Additionally, five major projects, amounting to approximately Rs. 127.1 billion, were recommended to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final consideration and approval.
The meeting was attended by Awais Manzur Sumra, Secretary Planning, along with Chief Economist, VC PIDE, other members of the Planning Commission, Chief Economist of PC, Federal Secretaries, heads of Provincial Planning & Development (P&D) departments, and senior representatives from relevant Federal Ministries and Provincial Governments.
The agenda focused on development projects across key sectors, including Education & Training, Environment, Governance, Higher Education, Information Technology, Physical Planning & Housing, Special Areas (AJK & GB) and Transport & Communications.
Chairing the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) meeting, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Ahsan Iqbal reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to Pakistan’s development and economic growth. “Despite the challenges we face, our dedication to the country’s progress remains absolute. We will not allow anything to derail our development agenda or compromise the welfare of our people,” he stated. Emphasizing the need for strategic planning, he directed that only those projects be included in the PSDP which enhance institutional performance and contribute meaningfully to national development. He also underscored the importance of aligning PSDP portfolio with URAAN Pakistan priorities, ensuring continuity in projects, and exploring new initiatives. He directed Planning Ministry to develop mechanism for notifying construction rates for highway and buildings projects in light of accurate cost of construction. He directed that thorough scrutiny of projects should be ensured by sponsoring departments to avoid inflated cost. He directed HEC & Government of Punjab to coordinate on laptop procurement in order to consolidate the demand for next four years and invite leading laptop manufacturers to setup plant in Pakistan.
A project related to Education & Training sector presented in the forum namely “Construction of Academic Blocks of National University of Pakistan, Islamabad (New)” worth Rs. 1597.428 million has approved by CDWP the forum.
A project related to Environment sector presented in the meeting namely “Formulation of National Urban Strategy and Guidelines to Reduce the Impact of Urban Flooding, Droughts, Climate Disasters and National Guidelines for Spatial Planning Considering Climate Change/Disaster Risk in Pakistan (New)” worth Rs. 106.401 million fully funded by UN Habitat approved by the CDWP forum.
A project related to Governance presented in the meeting namely “Investment Projects Financing (IPF) Component of Pakistan Raises Revenue Project (Revised)” worth Rs. 40758.086 million referred to ECNEC for further consideration. the executing agency is Federal Board of Revenue and the project will be financed through foreign funding World Bank loan. The revised project focuses on modernizing FBR’s infrastructure through the replacement of outdated hardware, deployment of a private cloud, updated software licensing, and enhanced connectivity for field formations. It includes the rollout of a Single Sales Tax Return system, development of Data Warehousing and BI tools, and digital transformation of value chains. Key components also cover vehicle tracking, e-way billing, mobile tax facilitation, and the establishment of Digital Enforcement Stations and a Remote Image Analysis Center. The project supports faceless assessments, border technology upgrades, and capacity building through trainings, expert panels, and IT enhancements, along with business process automation and risk management frameworks.
Two projects related to Higher Education presented in the meeting namely “CM Punjab Laptop Program (Revised)” worth Rs. 27000 million referred to ECNEC for further consideration. This is a non PSDP funded project. The project ADP funded by Govt. of Punjab and will be completed on 30-10-2025. The project aims to distribute laptops to approximately 112,000 students currently enrolled in public sector educational institutions across Punjab with the final number subject to revised allocations. Targeting students in BS, MS, MBBS, and Engineering programs, the selection will follow criteria approved by the Steering Committee and be based on verified student data from respective institutions. This initiative seeks to digitally empower students, enhance access to educational resources, reduce socio-economic disparities, and promote equal opportunities. It also aims to foster collaboration with the local ICT industry, support economic growth and entrepreneurship, and invest in human capital by equipping students with the skills needed to compete globally and regionally.
Another project in the Higher Education sector, titled “IT Industrial Innovation, Research Center and Strengthening of Islamia College University, Peshawar (Revised)” with a cost of Rs. 2454.531 million, has been approved by the CDWP forum.
A project related to Information Technology sector presented in the meeting namely “Revamping IT Industry Landscape (New)” worth Rs. 7426.887 has been approved by CDWP forum. The project focuses on three core areas: skill development, ecosystem growth, and strategic branding. It aims to train and upskill 20,950 professionals in leadership, technical, and business management fields to strengthen the IT workforce. At the same time, ecosystem reforms will improve the regulatory framework, access to finance, and the overall business environment. A targeted marketing and branding strategy will promote Pakistan as a leading tech destination, enhancing global visibility and driving IT export growth.
A project related to Physical Planning & Housing presented in the meeting namely “Construction / Reconstruction of Existing Schools in Sindh Affected under Rain / Flood 2022 (Revised)” worth Rs. 12337.138 million referred to ECNEC for further consideration. The project is sponsor and executed by the Govt of Sindh. The scope of the project focuses on reconstructing fully damaged schools, with priority given to those severely affected by the 2022 rains and floods, as verified by the Education Works Division. Emphasis is placed on high-enrollment schools, particularly girls’ and mixed schools, to promote gender balance in education. Schools in the most flood-affected districts and those easily accessible to local communities are prioritized to maximize long-term impact and educational access. Selection is based on criteria ensuring the inclusion of proposed fully damaged, priority, and dangerous school buildings.
A project related to Special Areas (AJK & GB), titled “Establishment of Mirwaiz Molvi Muhammad Farooq Shaheed Medical College Muzaffarabad AJK and Kashmir Medical College Muzaffarabad (Revised)” with a cost of Rs. 4337.733 million, has been approved by the CDWP forum.
Two projects related to Transport & Communications presented in the meeting namely “Extension / Construction of Sindh Coastal Highway Phase II (36 kms) (Revised)” worth Rs. 37718 million referred to ECNEC for further consideration.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
