Islamabad: The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved 15 development projects worth Rs34.74 billion and recommended nine major projects valued at Rs431.02 billion to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final approval.
According to Beyond Time News, the projects span key sectors, including information technology, transport, health, energy, communications, and public infrastructure. The initiatives are part of the government’s URAAN Pakistan reform agenda, which aims to accelerate digital transformation, modernize infrastructure, and support long-term economic growth.
The meeting was chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal. Federal secretaries, provincial planning officials, and senior government representatives also attended.
CDWP Clears 15 Development Projects
The forum approved several projects designed to improve public services, healthcare, technology, and infrastructure across Pakistan.
Among the approved initiatives is a Rs1.44 billion project to explore radioactive minerals in the Marwat Range. The project is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s geological research and support future mineral development.
The CDWP also approved Rs5.48 billion for the installation of CT scan and MRI machines in hospitals across Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The investment aims to improve access to advanced diagnostic healthcare services.
To encourage digital skills among young people, the committee approved the Prime Minister’s E-Sports Arenas and Training Centres project worth Rs3.17 billion.
Another major approval was the Geospatialx Complex GEO-AI Development and Innovation Hub, valued at Rs4 billion, which is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s capabilities in artificial intelligence, geospatial technologies, and innovation.
Digital Transformation Receives Major Boost
Several technology-focused projects received approval as the government continues to invest in digital infrastructure.
The CDWP cleared the PAKAWAZ Secure Mobile Communication Ecosystem, costing Rs708.7 million, to enhance secure communication systems for government institutions.
A Robotics Centre of Excellence worth Rs500 million was also approved to promote robotics research, innovation, and workforce development.
In the power sector, the committee approved the installation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters for Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO). The Rs6.26 billion project aims to improve electricity monitoring, reduce losses, and strengthen energy management.
Other approved schemes include accommodation facilities for the Frontier Corps Balochistan worth Rs2.02 billion, a 120-bed hospital in Turbat costing Rs2.49 billion, and several road construction projects.
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AI Data Centre Among Major Projects Sent to ECNEC
The CDWP also referred several large-scale national projects to ECNEC for final consideration.
One of the most significant proposals is the establishment of an Emerging Technologies Data Centre worth Rs7.93 billion.
According to Beyond Time News, the facility will provide secure, sovereign artificial intelligence and high-performance computing infrastructure for government institutions, universities, researchers, and private-sector organizations.
The committee also recommended the National Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem Development Programme, estimated at Rs13 billion. The initiative aims to accelerate AI research, innovation, digital skills development, and technology adoption across Pakistan.
Pakistan Communication Satellite-2 Advances
Another strategic project forwarded to ECNEC is the Pakistan Communication Satellite-2 programme, valued at Rs37.19 billion.
The proposal includes upgrades to ground control infrastructure and is expected to strengthen the country’s satellite communication capabilities.
Officials believe the project will improve digital connectivity, communication security, and support future technological development.
Railway Upgrade to Improve Regional Connectivity
The largest project recommended for ECNEC approval is the Rs278.62 billion upgrade of the Main Line-3 (ML-3) railway corridor from Rohri to Koh-e-Taftan.
The project covers approximately 996 kilometres of railway track and includes track renewal, modernization of supporting infrastructure, and construction of 11 new railway stations between Spezand and Taftan.
The railway upgrade will be completed in two phases between 2026 and 2033.
Officials expect the project to improve passenger travel, strengthen freight transportation, and enhance trade links in Balochistan.
Road and Bridge Projects to Improve Infrastructure
The committee also recommended the Mashkel-Chedgi Road Project, which carries an estimated cost of Rs43.65 billion.
The 108.5-kilometre road will receive approximately 90 percent financing from the Saudi Fund for Development, reflecting continued international cooperation in infrastructure development.
Another recommendation is the Rathoa Haryam Bridge project in Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, valued at Rs10.87 billion.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said the bridge project had remained stalled since 2018 but was revived after the current government assumed office in April 2022.
Originally launched in 2006, the project has now been physically completed with a revised cost of nearly Rs9.98 billion, funded through the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).
Government Focuses on Long-Term Growth
Addressing the meeting, Ahsan Iqbal said the approved projects support the broader goals of the URAAN Pakistan initiative.
He said investments in digital technology, artificial intelligence, healthcare, transport, and infrastructure would improve public services while strengthening Pakistan’s economic competitiveness.
The government expects these projects to create employment opportunities, modernize critical infrastructure, and encourage innovation across multiple sectors.
Conclusion
The CDWP’s latest approvals mark another step in Pakistan’s effort to expand public investment in technology, infrastructure, healthcare, and transport. While projects worth Rs34.74 billion received direct approval, larger initiatives totaling Rs431.02 billion will now move to ECNEC for final consideration.
If approved, these projects could significantly strengthen Pakistan’s digital economy, transportation network, healthcare services, and long-term development strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What projects did the CDWP approve?
The CDWP approved 15 projects worth Rs34.74 billion, including healthcare facilities, AI research, robotics, secure communications, mineral exploration, and road infrastructure.
What is the Emerging Technologies Data Centre?
It is a proposed Rs7.93 billion facility that will provide secure AI and high-performance computing infrastructure for government agencies, universities, and the private sector.
What is the National Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem Development Programme?
The Rs13 billion programme aims to promote AI research, innovation, skills development, and technology adoption throughout Pakistan.
What is included in the ML-3 railway upgrade?
The project will modernize 996 kilometres of railway track from Rohri to Koh-e-Taftan, upgrade infrastructure, and construct 11 new railway stations.
Why is the Rathoa Haryam Bridge project important?
The bridge improves connectivity in Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. After years of delays, the project has now been completed through PSDP funding.
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