The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) convened to deliberate on several developmental initiatives, endorsing four projects totalling Rs11.15 billion while advocating two projects amounting to Rs72.240 billion for further consideration by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).
Chaired by Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Mohammad Jehanzeb Khan, the CDWP assembly convened at the P-Block Secretariat on Wednesday. Joining the deliberations were Secretary Planning Awais Manzur Sumra, high- ranking officials from the Planning Commission, federal ministries/divisions, and Chairpersons/ACS (Dev), representatives from provincial governments. Focused discussions revolved around projects spanning information technology, healthcare, physical planning, and housing sectors.
Of particular note were the projects presented by the Ministry of Information. The first project, titled “Up gradation of Transmission Network & Replacement of Optical Fibre Cable, AJK & Gilgit Baltistan (revised),” valued at Rs1999 million, secured approval from the CDWP. The second project, “Prime Minister’s Initiatives Support for IT Start-ups, Specialized IT Trainings, and Venture Capital (revised),” worth Rs5 billion, also garnered CDWP’s endorsement.
Another significant proposal put forth by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination was the “Establishment of Infectious Disease Laboratory,” valued at Rs8.29 billion. This project, slated for financing through the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), aims to establish a cutting-edge R&D laboratory for the detection and analysis of microorganisms. Upon completion, this laboratory will significantly enhance the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) capabilities in identifying novel, exotic, emerging, and re-emerging pathogens. The facility is pivotal for timely control measures and conducting crucial research and development.
These initiatives, once greenlit for implementation, are poised to fortify the nation’s capabilities in critical sectors, promising tangible benefits for the country’s development trajectory.
