Islamabad : The Central Development Working Party (CDWP), in a meeting chaired by the Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives and Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Ahsan Iqbal, approved 10 different development projects. Out of these, six projects with a cumulative cost of Rs. 9.214 billion were approved at the CDWP level. And four projects, amounting to Rs. 451 billion, was recommended to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for approval.
The meeting was attended by Awais Manzur Sumra, Secretary Planning, along with Chief Economist, VC PIDE, other members of the Planning Commission, Federal Secretaries, heads of Provincial Planning & Development (P&D) boards/ departments, and senior representatives from relevant Federal Ministries and Provincial Governments.
The agenda focused on development projects across key sectors, including Education & Training, Higher Education, Power, and Transport & Communications.
A project related to Education & Training sector presented in the meeting namely “System Transformation of Early Education Project – Balochistan (Step-Balochistan)” worth Rs. 2549.934 million approved by the forum.
Two projects related to Higher education approved by the forum namely “Strengthening & Development of Physical and Technological Infrastructure at the University of Haripur (Revised)” worth Rs. 1979.260 million and “Development of University of Buner at Swari (Phase-I) (Revised)” worth Rs. 2314.720 million.
Two projects related to QESCO, Power sector approved by the forum namely “Construction of 132kV grid station in Ornach area District Khuzdar (Revised)” worth Rs. 1186.790 million and “Construction of 132kV grid station at Kan Mehtarzai with allied transmission line (Revised)” worth Rs. 441.590 million.
Five projects related to Transport & Communications sector presented in the forum namely “Construction of Black Top Road from Zhob to Makhter via Murgha Kibzai (N-50 and N-70) – Length = 103 KM” worth Rs. 14882.301 recommended to ECNEC for further consideration.
Another project of T&C sector presented namely “Construction of Black Top Roads from Killi Sardar Abdul Rahim Khilji Taftan District Chagai” worth Rs. 741.333 million approved by the forum.
Another project of T&C presented namely “Construction of 110 KM Road Chedagi Iran Border to Panjgur Estimated” worth Rs. 11000 million referred to ECNEC for further consideration. The objective of this road construction project is to develop a safe, efficient, and durable transportation route that will connect key locations, improving the overall accessibility and mobility within the region. The road will be designed to meet the increasing demand for efficient transportation of goods and passengers, reducing travel time and improving the overall connectivity between communities and regions. This will provide a reliable infrastructure that will support economic growth, enhance trade, and reduce logistical costs for both commercial and personal travel. The project will the complete construction of the road, including all necessary infrastructure such as bridges, culverts, drainage systems, and associated facilities.
Another project of T&C sector presented in the meeting namely “Construction of Eastbay Expressway Phase-II at Gwadar” worth Rs. 30133.832 million referred to ECNEC for further consideration. The project is proposed to be financed through Chinese Grant in Aid to the extent of 95% cost. The project envisages construction of a 13.8 km long, 6-lane (4 paved) dual carriageway expressway—Eastbay Expressway Phase-II—to connect the New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA) with the endpoint of the existing Eastbay Expressway. This limited-access, high-speed road is designed to facilitate heavy cargo traffic between NGIA and Gwadar Port. The project also includes essential infrastructure such as a rainwater drainage system, toll plaza, security fence, watch towers, and street lighting. Proposed under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the project was discussed and prioritized during multiple JCC and JWG meetings, with the Chinese side emphasizing its importance for enhancing connectivity and operational efficiency at the port.
Another project of the T&C sector presented in the forum namely “Construction of Hyderabad – Sukkur (306 Km), 6-Lane Divided, Fenced Motorway, Section 1 to 5” recommended to ECNEC at the revised cost of 394967.898 million. Due to large size of the project and financial constraints of Government of Pakistan, NHA has planned to undertake the Motorway M-6 Project in sections and on Hybrid financing mode. The maximum section of M-6 Project, to the extent of available foreign investment, will be preferably be taken on this mode, whereas, remaining sections depending on their commercial viability, will be offered on Private Investment Mode under PPP Arrangement. Therefore, costs of the PC-1 for each section of M-6 project has been worked out on both modalities i.e., Foreign Investment Mode as well on Private Investment mode under PPP Arrangement.
The project aims to ensure smooth flow of traffic along the Peshawar–Karachi Motorway (PKM), specifically the Hyderabad–Sukkur section, by constructing an access-controlled, high-speed, six-lane toll road. Designed with advanced facilities, the motorway will serve as an intelligent transport corridor, enhancing both domestic and international traffic movement. This strategic infrastructure will significantly reduce vehicle operating costs, travel time, and congestion, offering a safe and efficient route for passenger and heavy goods transport—especially between the northern and southern regions currently served by the overloaded N-5 Highway. It will strengthen connectivity between major industrial and economic hubs, promote the development of small and medium-sized cities, and enhance Pakistan’s trade competitiveness by providing improved access to Karachi and Gwadar ports. The motorway will also contribute to environmental and economic sustainability by reducing fuel consumption, easing pressure on existing routes like N-5 and N-55, and improving road safety, driving conditions, and travel efficiency across the country.
While discussing the Hyderabad–Sukkur Motorway project, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Ahsan Iqbal, stated that this project will bring substantial social benefits and holds great significance in promoting Pakistan’s economic development. He emphasized that, as part of the national programme to expand the country’s motorway infrastructure, this project will help stimulate growth in the areas along its alignment and improve regional connectivity. Federal Government is fully committed to the timely execution of this motorway, recognizing its critical role in strengthening Pakistan’s transportation network and boosting economic activity across the region
While discussing Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway (M-6) project, Federal Minister for Planning and Deputy chairman Ahsan Iqbal directed the Chairman of the National Highway Authority (NHA) and the Special Secretary of the Economic Affairs Division to ensure confirmation of funding for remaining sections of the project by the end of August 2025.
To oversee this task, the Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal announced formation of a high-level committee to be chaired by the Federal Minister for Finance. The committee will include Federal Ministers for Communications, Economic Affairs, and Planning, along with senior officials from the NHA and the Ministry of Communications.
Additionally, Minister Ahsan Iqbal proposed exploring innovative modes of financing to expedite the project’s implementation and ensure timely completion.
It was informed during the forum that funding for Sections IV and V of the M-6 project has been commi
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.
