Planning minister directs ministries to accelerate implementation of strategic corridors, Gwadar projects and Karakoram Highway financing.
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has directed all ministries and relevant departments to accelerate the implementation of CPEC 2.0, describing the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as a key driver of sustainable economic growth through five strategic development corridors.
Chairing the 91st meeting of the CPEC Projects Review and National Steering Committee in Islamabad, the minister reviewed the progress of projects covering infrastructure, energy, petroleum, water resources, agriculture, Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and the various Joint Working Groups (JWGs).
Five Strategic Corridors Under CPEC 2.0
Ahsan Iqbal said CPEC 2.0 builds upon the achievements of the corridor’s first phase by capitalising on investments already made in energy, transport and other core infrastructure.
He instructed ministries to fast-track work on the five priority corridors:
• Growth Corridor
• Livelihood Corridor
• Innovation Corridor
• Green Development Corridor
• Regional Connectivity Corridor
According to the minister, these pillars are expected to strengthen industrial development, improve livelihoods, promote innovation, support environmentally sustainable growth and enhance Pakistan’s regional trade connectivity.
Preparations for JWG and JCC Meetings
The committee received briefings from officials of Pakistan’s Mission in Beijing and conveners of the Joint Working Groups regarding preparations for the upcoming JWG meetings and the 15th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting.
Officials informed the forum that the meeting schedule had been finalised in consultation with all stakeholders and shared with Pakistan’s diplomatic mission in Beijing to facilitate coordination with the Chinese authorities.
Minister Calls for Faster Progress on Karachi Coastal Project
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Government of Sindh presented an update on the Karachi Coastal Comprehensive Development Zone (KCCDZ).
Expressing concern over implementation delays, Ahsan Iqbal 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 translate into practical implementation in accordance with agreed terms and applicable legal procedures.
The minister also instructed the Government of Sindh, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Board of Investment (BOI) to engage with the Chinese company involved in the project to resolve technical issues and expedite development.
Agriculture Training Programme Reviewed
The committee also assessed progress on the initiative to train 1,000 Pakistani agriculture graduates in China.
Ahsan Iqbal directed the relevant authorities to submit a comprehensive implementation plan at the next meeting, detailing the graduates’ areas of specialisation, deployment strategy and future responsibilities.
He called for greater emphasis on modern agricultural disciplines, including:
• Biotechnology
• Seed development
• High-yield crop varieties
• Digital agricultural extension services
• Artificial intelligence in agriculture
• Cooperative farm management
The minister further instructed officials to prepare a five-year human resource and agricultural development roadmap aligned with Pakistan’s long-term national priorities.
Gwadar Power Supply Project
The meeting also reviewed progress on the Power Supply Stability Project for Gwadar Port and its Free Zone.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to Gwadar’s industrial development, Ahsan Iqbal emphasised the need to ensure a reliable electricity supply and urged all concerned agencies to resolve outstanding issues on a priority basis.
KKH Phase II Financing
The National Highway Authority (NHA) informed the committee that financing arrangements for the Karakoram Highway (KKH) Phase II project are expected to be discussed during the Joint Working Group meeting scheduled for the end of August 2026.
The minister instructed officials to finalise financing arrangements during the upcoming discussions to keep the project on schedule for completion by 2028.
He also directed that, should financing be delayed, construction should commence using domestic resources to prevent sections of the highway from being submerged by the Diamer-Bhasha Dam reservoir.
In addition, he asked authorities to explore opportunities for leading Pakistani construction companies to participate in the project’s bidding process.
Broad Participation in Steering Committee
The meeting was attended by the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Planning and senior representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, Communications, Maritime Affairs, National Food Security and Research, Industries and Production, Information Technology and Telecommunication, Science and Technology, the Economic Affairs Division, Power Division, Petroleum Division, the Board of Investment, the Gwadar Development Authority and the CPEC Secretariat.
The government reiterated its commitment to accelerating the implementation of CPEC 2.0 projects, with a focus on infrastructure development, industrial expansion, regional connectivity and long-term economic growth through closer cooperation with China.