The federal government has advanced development projects worth Rs. 213 billion across several sectors. These include irrigation, education, solar energy, roads, youth development, and broadcasting.
The Central Development Working Party (CDWP), chaired by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, reviewed the projects on October 26, 2026. The forum approved 10 projects worth Rs. 40.915 billion and recommended three projects worth Rs. 172.25 billion to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).
The recommended projects will require further consideration before receiving final approval. The initiatives fall under the government’s URAAN Pakistan development agenda.
Major Irrigation and Flood Management Projects
One of the largest initiatives is the KP Resilient Irrigated Agriculture Livelihoods Development Project. Valued at Rs. 69.893 billion, it aims to improve irrigation infrastructure and support agricultural livelihoods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will contribute Rs. 56.133 billion. The provincial government will provide another Rs. 11.692 billion. Land acquisition will be financed separately through a dedicated project document.
The initiative includes rehabilitation of the Pehur Main Canal. It also covers construction of the Mulkhow Irrigation Distribution System and expansion of the Pehur High Level Canal.
Another major initiative is the Integrated Hill Torrent Management Project in Punjab. Valued at Rs. 85.342 billion, it will cover the Chachar–Mithawan areas of Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur.
ADB will contribute Rs. 73.06 billion, while the Punjab government will provide Rs. 12.282 billion. The project includes flood protection channels, modern spate irrigation systems, telemetry, and centralized SCADA monitoring.
Daanish Schools and Youth Development Initiatives
The CDWP approved several education projects in principle, subject to reviews and necessary adjustments.
These include Daanish Schools across Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh. The stated cost is Rs. 122.4 million, with instructions to rationalize the project budget.
The proposed Daanish School in Kuri, Islamabad, received in-principle approval at a cost of Rs. 7.357 billion. Another school in Kan Mehterzai, Qila Saifullah, Balochistan, was approved in principle for Rs. 4.528 billion.
Youth development initiatives also received in-principle approval. These include the Prime Minister’s Youth Development Centers, costing Rs. 4.145 billion, and the Talent Hunt Youth Sports League, valued at Rs. 3.988 billion.
Other projects include the Prime Minister’s National Innovation Award, costing Rs. 1.97 billion. Sports academies, a High Performance and Resource Centre, and Youth Olympics will receive a proposed allocation of Rs. 2.956 billion.
Solar Energy and Broadcasting Projects
The CDWP approved in principle a pilot Battery Energy Storage System at the 220 kV Jhimpir-I Grid Station. The project is valued at Rs. 4.395 billion and aims to improve grid stability.
The Prime Minister’s Solar Scheme for Newly Merged Districts also received in-principle approval. Valued at Rs. 13.323 billion, it aims to provide off-grid solar energy solutions to households in the merged districts.
The forum also approved in principle the Pakistan Television Corporation’s revamping project. Estimated at Rs. 3.962 billion, it focuses on digital transformation, international asset commercialization, and long-term financial sustainability.
Road Infrastructure Projects Move Forward
The CDWP recommended the improvement and widening of National Highway N-45 to ECNEC. The project costs Rs. 17.012 billion and covers the 39-kilometre Chakdara–Timergara section.
The highway project is expected to receive foreign financing through Exim Bank. It aims to improve transport links between Chakdara, Timergara, Dir, and Chitral.
The upgrade is also expected to support trade, road safety, and tourism in the Kalash, Shandur, and Kumrat valleys.
Separately, the forum approved an eight-lane overhead bridge at Imamia Colony Railway Crossing on National Highway N-5 in Shahdara, Lahore. The project is valued at Rs. 7.492 billion and includes connecting road construction and rehabilitation.
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The bridge aims to reduce traffic congestion in Shahdara Town. Together, these initiatives represent a broad development programme covering infrastructure, education, energy, agriculture, and youth services across Pakistan.
