CDWP Approves 15 Development Projects Worth PKR 422.704 Billion

Islamabad:The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved 15 different development projects worth a total of PKR 422.704 billion. This includes the final approval of six projects worth PKR 17.95 billion, while nine other projects valued at PKR 404.754 billion have been sent to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for further consideration.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Planning on Sunday, the CDWP meeting was chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Reforms, Ahsan Iqbal, and was attended by Planning Secretary Owais Manzoor Samra, Joint Chief Economist (OPS), Planning Commission members, and representatives of relevant federal and provincial ministries.

The meeting reviewed a variety of projects related to health, agriculture, environment, human resources, governance, water resources, transportation and communication, and science and technology.

### Key Projects Reviewed:

1. **Economic Transformation Initiative for Gilgit-Baltistan** – A revised project worth PKR 26.76 billion was sent to ECNEC for approval. This project, aimed at increasing income and reducing poverty in the region, will focus on agricultural development and creating employment for at least 100,000 rural residents. It will also work on irrigation for 50,000 acres of land and the construction of 400 kilometers of farm roads.

2. **Sindh Coal Resilience Project (SCRP)** – Worth PKR 45.79 billion, this project aims to enhance climate resilience and improve the quality of life in Sindh’s coastal districts of Badin, Sajawal, and Thatta. The project will promote climate-smart agriculture and fisheries, creating value chain facilities for small farmers and fishermen, and providing income-generating opportunities for disadvantaged communities, including youth and women.

3. **Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Revenue Mobilization and Public Revenue Management Program** – A revised project worth PKR 3.71 billion was approved for foreign funding. It focuses on improving revenue generation and management in the province.

4. **Jinnah Medical Complex and Research Center** – The Ministry of National Health Services’ project worth PKR 3.11 billion was also approved. The project aims to enhance healthcare services through a Five-Ease Framework at both national and international levels.

5. **Prime Minister’s Youth Program** – A revised project worth PKR 7.5 billion will provide internships to 30,000 fresh graduates. These internships will offer monthly stipends of PKR 25,000 to PKR 40,000, and upon completion, participants will receive certificates from their host institutions.

6. **High-Capacity Coaches for Pakistan Railways** – The CDWP has sent a project worth PKR 70.97 billion to ECNEC for approval. The project will address the shortage of bogies in Pakistan Railways and improve passenger services.

7. **Road Development Projects** – Several significant road infrastructure projects were reviewed, including the **Multan-Wahari Road** and **Rawalpindi Ring Road**. These projects, worth billions of rupees, are designed to enhance connectivity and improve transportation infrastructure across Punjab and other regions.

8. **Khawazakhaila to Bisham Expressway** – A project worth PKR 137.71 billion will improve regional connectivity through the construction of a 48-kilometer long expressway, including bridges, tunnels, and other necessary infrastructure.

9. **Manji Dam** – A revised project worth PKR 18.99 billion, which aims to construct a 61-meter high dam with a storage capacity of 36.43 million cubic meters of water to supply water to Quetta city. The project also includes the installation of a treatment plant and the construction of pipelines.

10. **Sindh Early Learning Enhancement Project** – A revised project worth PKR 46.57 billion has been referred to ECNEC for further consideration. It aims to improve early learning in the region through classroom transformation and modern educational techniques.

11. **IT Sector Development** – A project worth PKR 1.33 billion for the development of the IT sector was also approved.

### Future Plans and Actions

The CDWP has stressed the need for better project planning and implementation, ensuring that these initiatives are completed on time and in line with international standards. Additionally, it has been decided that further consultation will take place for several other key infrastructure and development projects before final approval.

With these projects, the government aims to stimulate economic growth, enhance infrastructure, and improve social services, all while addressing critical issues such as poverty, unemployment, and environmental challenges.