In a recent development, the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has put
forward three significant projects valued at a total of Rs136.660 billion to the
Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for further
deliberation.
One of the highlighted projects is the “Expansion of 48MW Jagran Hydropower
Station (Phase-II) in District Neelum, AJ&K (Revised)”. With a budget of Rs14.744
billion, this venture has garnered attention for its potential impact on the energy
sector. The Power Development Organization of the Government of Azad Jammu
and Kashmir (AJK) has been designated to oversee the operations and
maintenance of this project. Notably, financing for this endeavor entails Rs12.72
billion sourced from The Agence Française de Développement (AFD), while the
remaining Rs1.278 billion is proposed to be funded through the Public Sector
Development Program (PSDP).
Another noteworthy proposal is the “2 nd Carriageway Torkham Jalalabad Road
Project, Afghanistan”, presented by the Ministry of Communications. This
transport and communication sector initiative comes with a price tag of Rs16.47
billion. The project aims to bolster infrastructure connectivity and is intended to
benefit both Pakistan and Afghanistan. The National Highways Authority is
designated as the executing agency, with the Government of Afghanistan
committed to covering maintenance and operation costs. Upon completion, the
project road will be handed over to the Ministry of Public Works, Government of
Afghanistan. Financed through the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP),
this endeavor underscores Pakistan’s support for the reconstruction and
rehabilitation of Afghanistan’s road network.
Lastly, the “Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Rural Road Development Project” has also been
recommended for further consideration by ECNEC. With a substantial budget of
Rs105.450 billion, this project aims to enhance rural connectivity in the Khyber-
Pakhtunkhwa region. Proposed to be financed through foreign funding, the Asian
Development Bank (ADB) is expected to contribute Rs91.2 billion (86.5%), while
the Government of KP’s share amounts to Rs14.249 billion (13.5%).
These proposed projects signify a concerted effort towards infrastructure
development and regional connectivity, reflecting the ongoing commitment of
the Pakistani government to promote socio-economic progress and cooperation
in the region.
