The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved five major development projects with a combined estimated cost of Rs60.25 billion, covering education, infrastructure and urban development.
The decisions were taken during a CDWP meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal.
Three projects with a combined cost of more than Rs11.71 billion were approved at the CDWP level, while two larger projects worth Rs48.54 billion were referred to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) for final approval.
Medical and Nursing College Approved for Gilgit
Among the projects approved by the CDWP is the establishment of a medical and nursing college in Gilgit, with an estimated cost of Rs4.92 billion.
The project is aimed at strengthening medical education and training opportunities in Gilgit-Baltistan while expanding access to professional healthcare education in the region.
The approval is expected to support the development of local human resources in the health sector and provide students with additional opportunities to pursue medical and nursing careers closer to home.
NDU Islamabad Campus Gets Rs2.75bn Project
The CDWP also approved a project worth Rs2.75 billion for the Islamabad campus of the National Defence University (NDU).
During the meeting, Ahsan Iqbal directed NDU to undertake research focused on Pakistan’s economic ambitions.
The university was specifically asked to conduct research on achieving the targets of a $1 trillion economy and $100 billion in exports.
The directive highlights the government’s emphasis on research, policy development and institutional contributions toward long-term economic growth.
Rs4bn Road Project Approved in Orakzai
Another project approved by the CDWP involves the construction of a 53-kilometre road in Orakzai, with an estimated cost of Rs4 billion.
The road project is expected to improve connectivity and transportation infrastructure in the district while supporting movement between local communities and surrounding areas.
Better road infrastructure can also contribute to economic activity by improving access to markets, public services and other essential facilities.
Two Major Projects Sent to Ecnec
The meeting also considered two major development projects with a combined estimated cost of Rs48.54 billion.
These include the Rs19.54 billion Karachi Neighbourhood Improvement Project and a Rs29 billion project to supply water from Mirani Dam to Gwadar.
Both projects were referred to Ecnec for final approval before implementation can proceed.
The Karachi project is focused on improving neighbourhood-level infrastructure and urban conditions, while the Gwadar project aims to strengthen the city’s water supply infrastructure.
Ahsan Iqbal Orders Gwadar Wastewater Plan
During the discussion on the Gwadar water project, Ahsan Iqbal directed officials to prepare a comprehensive wastewater treatment plan for Gwadar.
The planning minister emphasised the importance of addressing wastewater management alongside the city’s water supply requirements.
He also instructed that the contract for the Gwadar water project should not be awarded before approval from Ecnec.
The direction means that further progress on the project will remain subject to the required approval process.
Focus on Infrastructure and Development
The latest CDWP approvals reflect the government’s continued focus on infrastructure development, education and public services.
The projects span different regions and sectors, including Gilgit, Islamabad, Orakzai, Karachi and Gwadar.
With three projects already approved and two major schemes referred to Ecnec, the government is expected to proceed with the next stages of planning and implementation once the required approvals are completed.
The Gwadar projects, in particular, remain significant because of the city’s strategic importance and the need for reliable water and wastewater infrastructure to support its growing population and economic activity.
The CDWP’s decisions are part of the federal government’s broader development planning process, with major projects requiring further scrutiny and approval before funds can be released and implementation begins.
Also read: CDWP Approves Rs. 60 Billion Development Projects
