CDWP approves Rs60bn projects across key sectors

August 31, 2026 (MLN): The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) approved five development projects worth a combined Rs60.26bn, with three projects worth Rs11.71bn cleared directly by the CDWP and two major projects worth Rs48.545bn recommended to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for further consideration.

The meeting, chaired by the Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives and Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Ahsan Iqbal, reviewed initiatives spanning Health, Science & Technology, Physical Planning & Housing, and Transport & Communications sectors, aligned with the government's URAAN Pakistan development vision, according to the press release.

In the Health sector, a revised project of the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan titled "Establishment of Medical & Nursing College at Gilgit," worth Rs4.92bn, was approved.

The project, initiated in 2017 under the previous PMLN government, had faced delays due to funding shortfalls.

It was emphasized that expanding medical and nursing education in remote and underserved areas was important for developing a skilled local healthcare workforce and improving healthcare delivery in rural and mountainous regions.

A Science and Technology sector project, "Establishment of National Defence University (NDU) FCS Campus at Defence Complex Islamabad (DCI)," worth Rs2.75bn, was also approved.

Relevant authorities were directed to collaborate with the Planning Commission on research aligned with national development goals of achieving a one trillion dollar economy and hundred billion dollar exports by 2035, and to sign an MOU in this regard.

Ministry of Planning & Development staff were directed to be included in related training programmes, with universities expected to provide evidence-based solutions to national challenges through high-quality research.

Two Transport & Communications sector projects were presented. The "Construction of Road from Zera to Daboori, District Orakzai (53.4 km)," worth Rs4.04bn, was approved, with directions that remaining funds be released before the winter season to complete the project, which has been pending since 2016.

The federally funded project is aimed at improving connectivity in Orakzai District as part of development efforts in the Newly Merged Districts (NMDs).

The revised "Karachi Neighborhood Improvement Project," worth Rs19.54bn, and proposed to be financed through foreign funding along with a local share from the Government of Sindh's ADP, was referred to the ECNEC.

A committee comprising the Member (Population), Member (Infrastructure), and a representative of the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) was directed to be constituted to develop a framework for monitoring, transparency, and accountability of foreign-funded development projects, with an emphasis on ensuring borrowed funds are utilized efficiently and strictly for their intended purposes.

In the Physical Planning & Housing sector, the "Construction of Water Supply Scheme to Gwadar Town from Mirani Dam under Balochistan Socio-Economic Development Projects Phase-III," worth Rs29,000m, was referred to the ECNEC.

The project aims to provide a sustainable water supply to Gwadar through the required infrastructure and allied facilities.

The Provincial Government was directed to initiate a study on wastewater treatment in Gwadar to prevent sewerage pollution of the sea.

The project was allowed to proceed to the bidding stage to save time, though the contract cannot be awarded until ECNEC approval is granted.

The meeting was attended by the Additional Secretary Planning, Chief Economist, VC PIDE, Members of the Planning Commission, Federal Secretaries, heads of Provincial Planning & Development Board Departments, and senior representatives from relevant federal ministries and provincial governments.

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