ISLAMABAD: The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved and recommended development projects worth more than Rs. 60 billion, covering water supply, urban infrastructure, education and road connectivity.
The meeting, chaired by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, approved three projects costing approximately Rs. 11.7 billion and recommended two projects worth around Rs. 48.5 billion for approval by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec).
A major proposal involves a 125-kilometre water supply pipeline from Mirani Dam to Gwadar Town. Following a technical review, the project’s estimated cost was reduced from around Rs. 29 billion to Rs. 23.82 billion, resulting in expected savings of more than Rs. 5.2 billion. Authorities also highlighted the need to address water demand, land acquisition, procurement and long-term maintenance.
The CDWP also recommended the Rs. 19.55 billion Karachi Neighbourhood Improvement Project for Ecnec approval. The initiative is supported by an $85 million World Bank loan and Sindh government funding.
Among the projects approved directly were a Medical and Nursing College in Gilgit costing Rs. 4.924 billion, an NDU FCS Campus at Defence Complex Islamabad costing Rs. 2.75 billion, and a 53.4-kilometre road from Zera to Daboori in Orakzai costing Rs. 4.037 billion.
The latest approvals highlight the government’s focus on strengthening infrastructure, improving connectivity and expanding educational facilities while maintaining greater scrutiny of development costs and project implementation.
