The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) cleared seven major development projects worth Rs 236 billion, with three projects valued at Rs 8 billion receiving approval and four others worth Rs 228 billion recommended to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final approval.
The meeting, chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, reviewed initiatives across education, health, energy, transport, mass media, and water resources.
In the education sector, the CDWP approved the “Action to Strengthen Performance for Inclusive and Responsive Education Program” at a revised cost of Rs 1.38 billion. Ahsan Iqbal stressed transparency and public consultation, directing special focus on Balochistan and reforms in the Islamabad Capital Territory.
A major health initiative, the Rs 74.92 billion Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in Lahore, was referred to ECNEC, along with the Rs 68.74 billion land acquisition project for the Karachi–Lahore Motorway and the Rs 34.34 billion Harpo Hydropower Project.
The minister expressed displeasure over delays in the hydropower scheme, urging timely use of foreign assistance to address Gilgit-Baltistan’s power shortages. He also directed the Economic Affairs Division to ensure rupee cover for new foreign loans to avoid adding to stalled projects and future financial burdens.
Additionally, the Rs 49.9 billion Balochistan Water Resources Development Project, aimed at dams, irrigation, and climate resilience, was forwarded to ECNEC.
The CDWP also granted concept clearance for five new international financing proposals, including the issuance of Panda Bonds.
