CDWP approves 15 development projects worth Rs34.74bn

The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved 15 development projects worth 34.74 billion rupees.

The approval was given in a meeting held in Islamabad on Thursday with Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal in the chair, the Press Information Department (PID) said in a press release.

The projects presented before the forum covered diverse sectors, including mineral exploration, healthcare, digital infrastructure, security, energy, robotics, and road connectivity.

Chairing the meeting, Minister for Planning Iqbal emphasised that the approved projects are aligned with the vision of URAAN Pakistan, focusing on digital transformation, modern infrastructure, connectivity, and sustainable economic growth.

The minister highlighted that strategic investments in technology and infrastructure are essential for accelerating Pakistan’s journey towards a knowledge-based and competitive economy.  

Three projects related to the Information Technology sector were presented before the forum. The project titled “ Establishment of Emerging Technologies Data Centre ” worth Rs. 7930 million was accorded in-principle approval and recommended to ECNEC for further consideration. The project aims to establish a national Emerging Technologies Data Centre to provide secure, sovereign, and government-owned Artificial Intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing infrastructure for Pakistan. The facility will support artificial intelligence, cloud computing, big data analytics, and digital services for government institutions, academia, research organizations, and the private sector. The project will strengthen data security and digital sovereignty, reduce reliance on foreign cloud providers, support indigenous AI solutions, and promote innovation, capacity building, and growth of the digital economy.

Another Information Technology sector project, “ National Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem Development Program (NAIEDP) ” worth Rs. 13,000 million, was accorded in-principle approval and recommended to ECNEC for further consideration. The project includes a comprehensive feasibility study through a specialized consultancy firm to assess the AI ecosystem, stakeholder landscape, technical and infrastructure requirements, financial and market viability, legal and governance frameworks, and risk mitigation measures. The study will lead to the development of an upgraded and implementation-ready PC-I to support informed decision-making and successful execution of the project.

The third IT sector project presented was,“ Pakistan Communication Satellite – 2 (PakSat-2) ” worth Rs. 37192.282 million, was accorded in-principle approval and recommended to ECNEC for further consideration. The project includes the development and deployment of a communication satellite in Geostationary Orbit (GEO) along with upgrading existing Ground Control and Operations Centers at Lahore and Karachi. The project will enhance satellite command, control, tracking, and operational capabilities by utilizing SUPARCO’s existing technical expertise and infrastructure.

A project related to the Physical Planning & Housing sector, “ Acquisition of Land and Hiring of Consultancy Firms for Feasibility Study for Establishment of Special Protection Unit (SPU) In ICT Police Islamabad ” worth Rs. 9412.984 million, was accorded in-principle approval and recommended to ECNEC for further consideration. The project includes acquisition of 26.76-kanal (16,189.80-Square Yard) land and hiring of consultancy firms for feasibility study and detailed engineering design for establishment of the SPU in Sector H-11, Islamabad.

A Power sector project presented by the Government of AJK namely “ Strengthening & Improvement of Electricity Supply Network in AJ&K ” worth Rs. 9999.981 million, was also accorded in-principle approval by the forum and recommended to ECNEC for further consideration. The proposed project focuses on reconductoring, load bifurcation, and upgradation of overloaded 11 kV feeders to improve voltage profile, system reliability, and reduce power outages. It also includes installation of new distribution transformers, augmentation of existing transformers, and establishment of repair workshops to enhance operational efficiency and timely restoration of power supply

Four projects related to the Transport and Communications sector were presented and accorded in-principle approval & recommended to ECNEC. These included “C onstruction of Lalamusa Bypass (N-5) ” worth Rs. 20,354.319 million and “ Up-gradation of Track and Allied Infrastructure on ML-3; Rohri–Sibi–Quetta–Koh-e-Taftan Section (996 Kms) ” worth Rs. 278,618.591 million. The ML-3 project is proposed to be financed through PSDP, with interim funding to be provided through bridge financing by Reko Diq Mining Company (RDMC) and the Government of Pakistan. The project includes track renewal, rehabilitation of embankments and bridges, replacement of turnouts, and construction of 11 new railway stations between Spezand and Taftan. The project will be implemented in two phases, with critical infrastructure works planned during Phase-I (2026–2030) and remaining priority works during Phase-II (2031–2033).

Another Transport and Communications sector project “ Construction of Mashkel - Chedgi Road (108.5 Km) CSR-2025 (Revised) ” worth Rs. 43647.080 million was accorded in-principle approval and recommended to ECNEC for further consideration. The project, proposed to be financed through 90% SFD and 10% PSDP, includes construction of a 4.1-kilometre-long tunnel along with approach roads, bridges, culverts, slope protection works, retaining walls, erosion control works, and allied infrastructure facilities.

Another revised T&C sector project, “C onstruction of Rathoa Haryam Bridge Across Reservoir channel on Mirpur-Islamgarh Road, Mirpur AJ&K ” worth Rs. 10867.189 million, was accorded in-principle approval and recommended to ECNEC for further consideration. The project involves construction of the Rathoa Haryam Bridge across the reservoir channel on Mirpur–Islamgarh Road along with associated road infrastructure. The road component includes construction of a 4.242-kilometer-long, two-lane approach road with a 7.3-meter-wide carriageway, inner and outer shoulders, and 400 meters of concrete retaining walls designed in accordance with AASHTO Policy 2004 standards. The bridge component comprises a 2.975-kilometer-long bridge divided into three zones based on geotechnical conditions, pier heights, and construction methodology to ensure structural stability and efficient execution.

While reviewing the project, Iqbal stated that the project was a long-delayed initiative, with work remaining stalled since 2018. He highlighted that after the present government assumed office in April 2022, the project was accorded special attention, and the Ministry of Planning actively worked to resolve the outstanding issues and ensure its revival.

The minister stated that through the support and commitment of the Federal Government, the project was reinitiated with a revised cost of Rs. 9.98 billion, fully funded through the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). As a result of these dedicated efforts, the project, which was originally initiated in 2006, has now been physically completed, marking a significant milestone in the government’s commitment towards completion of stalled development initiatives.