The Central Development Working Party (CDWP), chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, convened to review and approve important development projects. A total of 10 projects worth Rs 114.5 billion were cleared during the meeting, covering sectors such as energy, governance, health, higher education, transport, and communication.
One notable project recommended to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) is the “Evacuation of Power from 800 MW Mohmand Dam Hydro Power Plant to the National Grid.” This project, estimated at Rs 13,822 million, aims to construct 220 kV double circuit transmission lines to distribute power from the under-construction 800 MW Mohmand Dam Hydro Power Plant in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s merged district of Mohmand. The project is proposed to be financed through the Asian Development Bank (ADB), subject to cost rationalization.
Another significant project, the “Sindh Solar Energy Project (SSEP) (Revised),” with a total cost of Rs 22,005.637 million, was recommended to ECNEC. This project, financed through a soft loan from the World Bank, seeks to scale up solar power in Sindh Province, enhance energy security, improve electricity access, and fulfill Pakistan’s climate change commitments.
During the CDWP meeting, the “Cyber Security for Digital Pakistan (Phase – 1) Revised” project was approved. With a total cost of Rs 1,798.840 million, this project aims to strengthen cyber security measures in the country as Pakistan embraces the digital era.
Among other approved projects, the “Technical Support Unit-PIDSA (Revised)” project stands out with a total cost of Rs 95.516 million, to be financed through the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP).
Additionally, approval was granted for the “Up-gradation of Nuclear Institute of Medicine & Radiotherapy (NIMRA), Jamshoro” project, valued at Rs 1,847.530 million. This project aims to replace outdated equipment and add new facilities for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients, with financing sourced through PSDP.
The clearance of these projects by the CDWP reflects the government’s commitment to advancing crucial development initiatives across various sectors to enhance Pakistan’s infrastructure, energy resources, healthcare, and digital security.
