CDWP Approves 18 Development Projects Worth Over Rs. 315 Billion to Boost Sustainable Growth Across Pakistan
Islamabad, October 19, 2025:
In a major step toward accelerating Pakistan’s inclusive and climate-resilient development, the Central Development Working Party (CDWP), chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives and Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, approved 18 key projects across multiple national sectors, with a total value exceeding Rs. 315 billion.
Addressing the meeting, Ahsan Iqbal stated that “development is not just about projects; it is about people, performance, and purpose.” He emphasized that every approved initiative must contribute to a better future for Pakistan under the framework of Vision 2025 and Uraan Pakistan’s 5Es Agenda — Exports, E-Pakistan, Energy & Infrastructure, Environment, and Equity & Empowerment — aiming to transform Pakistan into a competitive, inclusive, and knowledge-driven economy by 2047.
Out of the total, 12 projects worth Rs. 35.4 billion were approved by the CDWP, while 6 projects worth Rs. 280.2 billion were referred to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final approval. The meeting was attended by Secretary Planning Awais Manzur Sumra, senior officials from federal and provincial governments, and development partners.
Key Sectoral Approvals
Agriculture and Food Security:
Major agricultural reforms were endorsed to modernize farming and strengthen climate resilience. The Punjab Resilient and Inclusive Agriculture Transformation (PRIAT) project worth Rs. 68.67 billion, co-financed by the World Bank and Government of Punjab, was referred to ECNEC to promote equitable water use and technology-driven farming. The National Animal Disease Surveillance and Control Program (Rs. 7.35 billion) and Punjab Climate Resilient and Low Carbon Agriculture Mechanization Project (Rs. 36.12 billion), financed by the Asian Development Bank, were also approved to enhance productivity and rural livelihoods.
Governance and Digital Transformation:
Under the governance reforms agenda, the Punjab Resource Improvement and Digital Effectiveness (PRIDE) program worth Rs. 3.08 billion, funded by the World Bank, was approved to strengthen public financial management, transparency, and digital governance — advancing the E-Pakistan vision.
Health Sector:
Three health projects worth over Rs. 9.9 billion were approved, including the National Health Support Program, Child Health Facilities Expansion in Southern Punjab (JICA-funded), and D-TALK & Insulin for Life (XEM Korea-funded). Ahsan Iqbal directed the integration of diabetes initiatives with the National Diabetes Program to maximize national impact.
Higher Education:
The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Pattoki Campus Project worth Rs. 1.46 billion was approved to promote innovation and research in animal sciences.
Environment and Urban Infrastructure:
The Wastewater Treatment Plant at Babu Sabu, Lahore, valued at Rs. 52.19 billion and financed by AFD, will treat 88 MGD of wastewater using biogas and solar technology to protect the River Ravi ecosystem.
Energy and Power:
Three small hydropower projects were approved in Azad Jammu and Kashmir — Phullawai (3 MW), Khurshidabad (2.71 MW), and Naushera (1.95 MW) — to enhance clean and renewable energy generation.
Social Protection:
The Strengthening Social Protection Delivery System in Sindh, worth Rs. 64.4 billion and co-financed by the World Bank, was referred to ECNEC. The program supports conditional cash transfers for pregnant women and mothers to improve nutrition and maternal health, aligned with the Equity and Empowerment pillar of Uraan Pakistan.
Transport and Connectivity:
Under CPEC Phase-II, the ML-1 and Havelian Dry Port Design Project (Rs. 16.26 billion) was referred to ECNEC, while the BRT Quetta Feasibility Study (Rs. 1.24 billion) and ML-1 Rohri–Khanpur–Multan Design Project (Rs. 3.21 billion) were approved with ADB support. The Minister termed ML-1 “Pakistan’s leap into the 21st century” and urged Pakistan Railways to commercialize land assets for sustainable funding.
Water and Irrigation:
To enhance water efficiency, the Kachhi Canal Restoration Project (Rs. 5.65 billion) and KP Irrigated Agriculture Improvement Project (Rs. 50.95 billion) were approved, ensuring resilient agriculture and water conservation under the Environment and Climate Change pillar of Uraan Pakistan.
Concluding the meeting, Minister Ahsan Iqbal reiterated the government’s determination to ensure that each approved initiative delivers measurable, people-centric results, contributing to Pakistan’s sustainable and knowledge-based economic future.
