Islamabad: In a significant step toward national development, the Central Development Working Party (CDWP), approved Gwadar Safe City Project, NUML, IBA Mirpurkhas funding and Gwadar Safe City plus a road linking Sheerin Farhad shrine to the main road in Balochistan.
The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) was chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Ahsan Iqbal, approved seven major development projects aimed at improving infrastructure, education, tourism, and technology.
he meeting was attended by senior federal and provincial officials, including Secretary Planning Awais Manzur Sumra, members of the Planning Commission, and representatives from relevant ministries and departments.
Three projects, worth a combined Rs10.053 billion, were fully approved at the CDWP level.
Meanwhile, four mega projects totaling Rs91 billion were referred to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final approval.
CDWP Approves Key Uplift Projects Across Diverse Sectors
Higher Education Sector Boost
Two higher education projects received the green light: the Development of the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi with a cost of Rs3.39 billion, and the Establishment of Sukkur IBA University Campus in Mirpurkhas, costing Rs1.7 billion.
Both initiatives aim to improve access to quality education in underdeveloped regions, promoting academic excellence and capacity-building.
Strengthening Urban Security
The Gwadar Safe City Project (Revised) was approved at a cost of Rs4.96 billion, financed on a 50:50 cost-sharing basis between the federal and provincial governments.
The initiative includes comprehensive CCTV coverage and infrastructure to bolster security, deter criminal activities, and protect both public and strategic locations. Stakeholder input has been incorporated into the revised plan to ensure effective implementation.
Major Urban Infrastructure Upgrade
The ambitious Sewerage System from Larechs Colony to Gulshan-E-Ravi in Lahore, estimated at Rs49.27 billion, was referred to ECNEC.
Financed through foreign funding by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the project will replace the decades-old sewer system using trenchless micro-tunneling technology.
It aims to separate stormwater and sewage, prevent urban flooding, and support future urban expansion.
Promoting Sustainable Tourism
The Punjab Tourism for Economic Growth Project (Revised) worth Rs12.47 billion, was also forwarded to ECNEC.
Supported by the World Bank, the project includes reforms in tourism policies, infrastructure improvements, skill development, and enhanced destination management.
It targets economic stimulation through improved tourism facilities, museum upgrades, and private-sector participation.
Expanding Connectivity and Mobility
Two key road projects were discussed under the Transport and Communications sector:
Dualization of Sialkot-Eminabad Road up to Kamoki, valued at Rs12.97 billion, aims to improve trade connectivity and reduce transportation costs, benefiting agriculture and industry in the region.
Rehabilitation & Upgradation of Jhaljao–Bela Road (79.89 km) in Balochistan, with a revised cost of Rs16.22 billion, involves major geometric and structural improvements.
The road passes through remote areas and serves spiritual sites, making it vital for regional development and cultural tourism.
These projects demonstrate the government’s focus on inclusive development, regional integration, and modern infrastructure.
The CDWP’s decisions mark a continued commitment to strategic national progress aligned with Pakistan’s Vision 2025 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Story by AHmed Mukhtar.
