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 7 different development projects. Out of these, 3 projects with a total cost of Rs. 8 billion were approved at the CDWP level. And 4 projects, amounting to Rs. 228 billion, were 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 VC PIDE, Chief Economist, 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, Transport & Communications, Energy, Health, Mass Media and Water Resources.
A revised project related to Education & Training sector presented in the meeting namely “Action to Strengthen performance for inclusive and responsive Education Program (TA Component)” in-principal approved at the revised cost of 1383.48 million.
While discussing the project “Action to Strengthen Performance for Inclusive and Responsive Education Program”, the Deputy Chairman Planning Commission (DCPC) Ahsan Iqba l emphasized the need for transparency with the directions that all project details be published on official websites and public feedback be sought regarding the program’s design implementation and outcomes. He also stressed upon the importance of measurable results and deliverables and directed Ministry of Education to present tangible outcomes of the results outcomes after three years of the program. Additionally, the Minister asked the Ministry to submit a comprehensive report on all foreign-funded education projects from the last ten years, including their results, highlighting concerns over lack of visible impact despite significant borrowing. The DCPC further directed that special focus be given to Balochistan where education indicators remain critically low and the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) should be developed as a model of reform in education sector. He urged that project funds utilized on consultancy must demonstrate implementation.
A project related to Health sector presented in the meeting namely “Establishment of Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research, Lahore” worth Rs. 74,920.140 million referred to ECNEC for further consideration. The project is proposed to be financed through Provincial ADP. The Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research (NSICTR) will be developed in Lahore in two phases, offering state-of-the-art facilities for cancer diagnosis, treatment, and research. Phase I includes a 280-bed tertiary care hospital, a specialized Cancer Care Clinic, a Hospice and Palliative Care facility, a Bone Marrow Transplant Center, accommodation for international consultants, and essential support infrastructure. Phase II will expand services with an additional 300-bed hospital block and a multi-level parking plaza. The project also covers the procurement of advanced electro-medical equipment, hospital support systems, ICT infrastructure with HMIS, and comprehensive consultancy services, alongside a Project Management Unit (PMU) and Health Services Unit (HSU) to ensure smooth implementation and operational readiness.
A project related to Mass media presented in the meeting namely “Establishment of National Center for Brand Development (Revised) approved with the revised cost of Rs. 1850 million by the CDWP forum. The project envisages to develop national brand and assist SMEs in brand development.
A revised Project related to Energy sector presented in the meeting namely “Harpo Hydropower Project (34.5 MW)” referred to the ECNEC with the revised cost of Rs. 34,340.185 million. The project is proposed to be financed through Foreign Donor Agencies AFD of France, Kfw of Germany combine 70 Million Euro (Rs. 20,510 Million) and local share also from PSDP. The 34.5 MW Harpo Hydropower Project entails construction of key infrastructure including a weir, headrace channel, sand trap, forebay, penstock, powerhouse complex, access roads, a suspension bridge on the Indus River, and a 132 kV transmission line from Harpo to Skardu with four grid stations. The project scope also covers detailed engineering design, land acquisition, safeguards, and training of operation and maintenance staff. Implemented under three main packages—civil and hydraulic works, electrical and mechanical works, and transmission infrastructure—the project will be executed with consultant support for design review, construction supervision, contract management, and compliance monitoring.
The DCPC Ahsan Iqbal expressed displeasure over the slow progress since 2014 and non-utilization of foreign grant/soft loan for the strategic project. On the other, people of GB are facing electricity crises in the area. Economic Affairs Division (EAD) confirmed availability of foreign funding for the project, the Ministry of Water Resources WAPDA were directed to ensure financing from own resources within approved timelines without any further delay. The DCPC Ahsan Iqbal directed the EAD to negotiate new foreign loan agreements only if the Ministry of Finance guarantees the availability of adequate rupee cover in the PSDP. Otherwise, due to the lack of rupee cover, the reduced PSDP will increase the portfolio of sick projects and result in multiple throw-forwards beyond control, turning into another circular debt–like menace for the economy
Two projects related to Transport & Communications sector presented in the meeting namely “Construction of 8-Lane Overhead Bridge at Imamia Colony Railway Crossing Shahdara (N-5)” with the revised cost of Rs. 4,673.137 million approved in the meeting.
Another revised project presented in the meeting namely “Land Acquisition, Affected Properties Compensation and Relocation of Utilities for Construction of 959 Km Karachi – Lahore Motorway (KLM) (excluding 136 km of M-9 and 57 km of M-4 Completed” worth Rs. 68739.930 million referred to the ECNEC for further consideration. The project entails the acquisition of 25,925 acres of land, including 23,975 acres for road construction and 1,950 acres for interchanges, service, and rest areas, to develop a 959-kilometre section of the 1,152-kilometre Karachi–Lahore Motorway (KLM), a priority initiative of the Government. Excluding the Karachi–Hyderabad Motorway (M-09) and the Faisalabad–Multan Motorway (M-4), for which land has already been acquired, the required land will be secured across Punjab and Sindh through respective District Collectors and Boards of Revenue. The scope covers land acquisition, compensation, resettlement, and relocation of utilities, ensuring a clear Right of Way (RoW) for construction. Once completed, the KLM will significantly enhance road connectivity along the country’s main North–South traffic corridor. DCPC directed NHA to ensure completion of Sukkur- Hyderabad Motorway within three years.
A Government of Balochistan project related to Water Resources sector presented in the meeting namely “Balochistan Water Resources Development Sector Project (BWRDSP) for Zhob and Mula River Basin (Revised)” referred to ECNEC with the revised cost of Rs. 49,901.411 million. The project will be financed through an ADB loan of USD 148 million (78.99%), an ADB grant of USD 5 million (2.67%), and a contribution of USD 34.37 million (18.34%). The BWRDSP focuses on strengthening water infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihoods. The project includes the construction of Siri Toi and Karkh dams, rehabilitation of canals, development of command areas, installation of high-eff
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.
