Govt orders fast-track implementation of CPEC 2.0

August 05, 2026 (MLN): The government has stepped up efforts to accelerate the implementation of CPEC 2.0, directing all relevant ministries to fast-track work on its five strategic corridors covering growth, livelihood, innovation, green development and regional connectivity.

The directives were issued during the 91st meeting of the CPEC Projects Review and National Steering Committee, where progress on infrastructure, power, petroleum, water resources, agriculture, Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Joint Working Group (JWG) meetings and preparations for the 15th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting was reviewed.

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said CPEC 2.0 presents an opportunity to build on the achievements of the first phase by leveraging investments already made in energy and transport infrastructure, according to APP.

Officials informed the meeting that the calendar for upcoming JWG meetings had been finalized in consultation with relevant conveners and shared with the Pakistan Mission in Beijing for coordination with the Chinese side.

The meeting also reviewed progress on the Karachi Coastal Comprehensive Development Zone (KCCDZ). Expressing concern over implementation delays, the minister directed all stakeholders to submit their observations within one week and resolve outstanding issues without further delay.

He stressed that memorandums of understanding (MoUs) should be implemented according to agreed terms and applicable rules, emphasizing that agreements must lead to timely execution rather than remain on paper.

He also directed the Government of Sindh, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Board of Investment to engage with the Chinese company to resolve technical issues and expedite the project's implementation.

Reviewing the initiative to train 1,000 agriculture graduates in China, the minister instructed the relevant authorities to present a comprehensive plan at the next meeting outlining the graduates' areas of specialization, deployment and future responsibilities.

He called for greater emphasis on biotechnology, seed development, high-yield crop varieties, digital extension services, AI-driven agriculture and cooperative farm management, while directing officials to prepare a five-year human resource and sectoral development roadmap aligned with Pakistan's agricultural needs.

The committee also reviewed progress on the Power Supply Stability Project for Gwadar Port and the Free Zone. The minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting industrial growth through reliable energy supply and called for priority resolution of outstanding issues to ensure uninterrupted power connectivity.

The National Highway Authority informed the meeting that financing arrangements for the Karakoram Highway (KKH) Phase-II project would be discussed at the Joint Working Group meeting expected later this month.

The minister directed officials to finalize the financing framework in view of the 2028 completion deadline, adding that if delays continue, construction should be initiated through government resources to prevent the road from being submerged by the Diamer-Bhasha Dam reservoir.

He also instructed authorities to explore the inclusion of leading Pakistani construction companies in the project's bidding process.

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