CDWP approves 7 development projects worth Rs236bn

September 12, 2025 (MLN): The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) approved seven development projects worth over Rs236 billion, three of which  were  valued at Rs8bn cleared at the CDWP level and four major schemes worth Rs228bn recommended to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final approval.

Chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives and Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Ahsan Iqbal, the meeting reviewed projects across Education, Health, Transport & Communications, Energy, Mass Media, and Water Resources. Senior officials including Secretary Planning Awais Manzur Sumra, Vice Chancellor PIDE, Chief Economist, federal secretaries, provincial P&D heads, and representatives of relevant ministries attended.

In the education sector, the revised “Action to Strengthen Performance for Inclusive and Responsive Education Program (TA Component)” was in-principle approved at a cost of Rs1.38bn.

Ahsan Iqbal directed that details of all education projects be made public, stressed measurable outcomes within three years, and sought a 10-year performance report on foreign-funded initiatives, with special focus on Balochistan and ICT as a model region.

In health, the “Establishment of Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research, Lahore” worth Rs74.92bn was referred to ECNEC.

The project, to be financed under Punjab’s ADP, will be completed in two phases with a 580-bed capacity, advanced cancer treatment, research facilities, and international-standard infrastructure.

For mass media, the “Establishment of National Center for Brand Development (Revised)” was approved at a cost of Rs1.85bn to support national branding and SME growth.

The energy sector project, “Harpo Hydropower Project (34.5 MW)” with a revised cost of Rs34.34bn, was recommended to ECNEC.

Ahsan Iqbal expressed displeasure over years of delays despite confirmed foreign funding, directing WAPDA to ensure timely implementation and avoid adding to the portfolio of stalled projects.

In transport, the CDWP approved the Rs4.67bn “8-Lane Overhead Bridge at Imamia Colony Railway Crossing, Shahdara (N-5)” while recommending to ECNEC the Rs68.74bn land acquisition project for the 959 km Karachi–Lahore Motorway (KLM).

The Deputy Chairman ordered NHA to complete the Sukkur–Hyderabad section within three years.

From Balochistan, the Rs49.9bn “Water Resources Development Sector Project for Zhob and Mula River Basin” was also referred to ECNEC.

 Financed mainly by ADB loans and grants, it aims to build dams, rehabilitate canals, promote irrigation efficiency, and support women-led agribusinesses to strengthen water security and agriculture in the province.

The forum also cleared five concept proposals for international financing, including three agriculture-related projects from Balochistan and issuance of a Panda Bond by the Ministry of Finance.

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