CDWP approves PKR 11.7bn projects, refers PKR 48.5bn schemes to ECNEC

Pakistan's Central Development Working Party (CDWP) approved three development projects worth PKR 11.714 billion and referred two larger schemes valued at PKR 48.545 billion to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council for final approval. The Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives announced the decisions on Sunday.

What did the CDWP approve at its latest meeting?

The CDWP is a government body that reviews and approves public sector development projects before larger schemes move to ECNEC for final sign-off. At this meeting, chaired by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, it cleared projects worth a combined PKR 60.259 billion spanning health, education, transport and water infrastructure.

The approved projects included a revised PKR 4.924 billion plan to establish a medical and nursing college in Gilgit. Iqbal said expanding medical education in remote areas was important for building a skilled local health workforce, and called for the project's early completion after delays caused by funding constraints since it began in 2017.

Which education and transport projects were cleared?

The CDWP approved a PKR 2.753 billion project to establish a National Defense University Faculty of Contemporary Studies campus at the Defense Complex Islamabad. Iqbal directed the university to align its research with national development goals, including Pakistan's target of becoming a USD 1 trillion economy and reaching USD 100 billion in exports by 2035.

In the transport sector, the CDWP approved a PKR 4.037 billion project to build a 53.4 kilometer road from Zera to Daboori in Orakzai district. Iqbal directed authorities to release remaining funds before winter to complete the federally funded project, which has been under development since 2016 and is expected to improve connectivity in the newly merged districts.

Which projects were referred to ECNEC?

The CDWP referred the PKR 19.545 billion Karachi Neighborhood Improvement Project to ECNEC for further consideration. The project will be financed through foreign funding, with its local component covered by the Sindh government's Annual Development Program.

Iqbal directed the formation of a committee, including Planning Commission members and a representative from the Economic Affairs Division, to develop a framework for monitoring foreign-funded projects. He said such projects must provide value for money and called for stronger mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability.

The CDWP also referred a PKR 29 billion project to supply Gwadar with water from Mirani Dam to ECNEC for approval. The scheme forms part of Balochistan's socioeconomic development program and aims to build sustainable water infrastructure for the port city.

Iqbal directed the Balochistan government to study wastewater treatment options in Gwadar, warning against allowing untreated sewage to pollute the sea. He permitted authorities to proceed to the bidding stage to save time, but said no contract could be awarded until ECNEC grants approval.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Planning Commission, federal ministries, provincial planning departments and other government institutions.