The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved 11 development projects across Pakistan, with major investments in hydropower, solar energy, electricity transmission, roads, irrigation and water supply infrastructure.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar chaired the ECNEC meeting, which reviewed projects aimed at strengthening infrastructure, improving energy generation and enhancing public services.
Among the key engineering projects is the 40.8-megawatt Koto Hydropower Project in Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which will contribute to the country’s hydropower generation capacity. The committee also approved the development of 100 MW distributed solar photovoltaic plants in Gilgit-Baltistan, supporting renewable energy expansion.
In the power transmission sector, ECNEC approved the installation of reactive power compensation devices across the National Grid Company (NGC) network. The project is intended to improve voltage regulation, enhance grid performance and strengthen the reliability of electricity transmission.
Balochistan will benefit from several major infrastructure initiatives, including the rehabilitation and remodelling of Lasbela Canal, a water supply scheme for Gwadar using water from Mirani Dam, and construction of the Buleda–Proom and Proom–Chedgai roads. The committee also approved the development and upgradation of the Dirgi–Shahbozai–Taunsa Sharif road, improving regional connectivity.
Other approvals include the Punjab Urban Land Systems Enhancement Project (PULSE), establishment of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Hospital in Islamabad, and construction of a purpose-built laboratory for the National Forensic Agency.
Senator Ishaq Dar directed the concerned authorities to ensure timely project completion, maintain financial discipline and prevent cost overrun.
