Five projects target healthcare, connectivity, urban development, education and water infrastructure across Pakistan.
The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved five development projects with a combined cost of Rs60.259 billion as part of the government’s Uraan Pakistan development and reform agenda.
The meeting was chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives and Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Professor Ahsan Iqbal. According to an official statement, the forum approved three projects costing Rs11.714 billion, while two projects worth Rs48.545 billion were referred to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for approval.
The initiatives are focused on improving human capital, strengthening infrastructure, upgrading governance and supporting sustainable and inclusive economic development.
Medical College Project in Gilgit Approved
The CDWP approved a revised Rs4.924 billion project for establishing a Medical and Nursing College in Gilgit. Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the importance of expanding medical education in remote and underserved regions to create a skilled healthcare workforce.
He instructed authorities to complete the project at the earliest, noting that it was initially launched in 2017 but had experienced delays because of funding constraints.
NDU Campus and Orakzai Road Projects
The forum also approved the establishment of the National Defence University FCS Campus at Defence Complex Islamabad at a cost of Rs2.753 billion.
The planning minister called for stronger cooperation between the university and Planning Commission on research supporting national economic objectives, including the long-term targets of a $1 trillion economy and $100 billion in exports by 2035.
Another approved project involves construction of the 53.4-kilometre Zera-Daboori Road in Orakzai District, costing Rs4.037 billion. The minister directed that outstanding funds be released before winter to help complete the long-delayed project.
Karachi and Gwadar Projects Sent to ECNEC
The revised Karachi Neighborhood Improvement Project, valued at Rs19.545 billion, was recommended to ECNEC. It is expected to receive foreign financing, alongside a local contribution from Sindh’s Annual Development Programme.
The Rs29 billion Gwadar water supply project was also referred to ECNEC. It aims to develop infrastructure for supplying water to Gwadar from Mirani Dam.
Ahsan Iqbal also called for a wastewater treatment study for Gwadar to prevent untreated sewage from polluting the sea. He allowed bidding preparations to proceed but clarified that no contract could be awarded before ECNEC approval.