CDWP Approves 12 Development Projects Valued at Rs. 187 Billion

CDWP Approves 12 Development Projects Worth Rs. 187 Billion

The Central Development Working Party (CDWP), chaired by Minister PDSI & Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Ahsan Iqbal, has approved 12 development projects worth Rs. 187 billion. Out of these, 6 projects valued at Rs. 19 billion have been approved by the CDWP forum, while another 6 projects, worth Rs. 168 billion, have been recommended to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for further consideration.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Planning Awais Manzur Sumra, Additional Secretary of Planning, members of the Planning Commission, as well as federal secretaries and representatives from provincial governments and federal ministries.

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Key Focus Areas and Projects

The agenda included discussions on projects related to Health, Industries & Commerce, Physical Planning & Housing, Transport & Communication, and Water Resources. Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the importance of cost rationalization, urging officials to optimize project expenditures to address the economic challenges faced by Pakistan.

Health Sector

Three health projects were approved:

1. Establishment of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Medical College Mirpur AJ&K (Revised) worth Rs. 5,089.779 million.
2. Establishment of a 200-bed Accident and Emergency Center at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Islamabad (Revised) worth Rs. 6,632.589 million.
3. Replacement & Upgradation of HVAC Plant Room Equipment and Allied Works at PIMS Islamabad (2nd Revision) worth Rs. 1,654.100 million.

Industries & Commerce Sector

The project titled “Invest Pakistan” worth Rs. 1,388.84 million was approved by the forum.

Physical Planning & Housing Sector

1. Karachi Water & Sewerage Services Improvement Project (KWSSIP) Phase-I, worth Rs. 25,471.164 million, was recommended to ECNEC for consideration, with funding from the World Bank and the Government of Sindh.
2. Greater Water Supply Scheme for Central Hunza from Attabad Lake (Revised) worth Rs. 2,075.667 million was approved. The Planning Minister emphasized the inclusion of solar energy projects in the region.

Transport & Communication Sector

1. Inter-Regional Connectivity Between Baltistan Division & Diamer Astore Division (Construction/Metaling of Road from Gorikote Astore to Shagarthang Skardu) (Revised), worth Rs. 12,302.147 million, was referred to ECNEC. This project involves the construction of a 105-km road to improve connectivity between the districts of Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK through the Shounter Tunnel.
2. Procurement of Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Vehicles for the new Gwadar International Airport (New), worth Rs. 2,079.758 million, was approved.
3. Construction/Upgradation of Dirgi Shahbozai (N-70) to Tonusa Sharif (N-55) Road (length – 175 Km) (Revised), worth Rs. 11,549.758 million, was recommended to ECNEC. This project aims to enhance road infrastructure in the Baluchistan and Punjab provinces.
4. Construction of Ziarat Mor-Kachi-Harnai-Sanjavi Road Project (Package-I), worth Rs. 24,423.9 million, was referred to ECNEC. The project involves the construction/widening of roads and bridges in the Harnai and Ziarat districts of Baluchistan.
5. Construction of Lahore Bypass from Kalashah Kaku Exit to KLM to Mulyam Road Near Radio Station (Revised), worth Rs. 34,446.585 million, was referred to ECNEC for consideration.

Water Resources Sector

1. Sindh Flood Emergency Rehabilitation Project (SFERP) Irrigation Component (Revised), worth Rs. 59,911.990 million, was referred to ECNEC. This project aims to rehabilitate irrigation and drainage networks damaged during the 2022 floods, with funding from the World Bank and the Government of Sindh.
2. Rehabilitation of Existing Infrastructure and Construction of Flood Detention Dams/Weirs for Urban Flooding is included in the scope of this project, with a focus on infrastructure rehabilitation, emergent works, and long-term rehabilitation initiatives.

Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the need for a comprehensive development approach that balances infrastructure growth with environmental sustainability. He urged officials to involve reputable consultants in designing strategies that ensure responsible development, particularly in the context of tourism and regional connectivity.