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Business Recorder
18 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Development projects across federal, provincial levels: NEC makes over Rs4 trillion FY26 allocation
ISLAMABAD: National Economic Council (NEC) on Wednesday approved the Annual Development Plan and the National Development Budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026, allocating a total of Rs4.224 trillion for development projects across federal and provincial levels. The NEC meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, sanctioned Rs1 trillion for federal projects and Rs2.869 trillion for provincial development schemes. During the meeting, the officials presented revised economic indicators for fiscal year 2024-2025, forecasting annual spending of Rs3.483 trillion on the national development programme, with Rs1.1 trillion allocated to the federal government and Rs2.383 trillion to provinces. The council approved a Gross National Product (GNP) growth rate of 2.7 per cent for 2024-2025 and projected a 4.2 per cent increase for the next fiscal year. From July 2024 to April 2025, remittances rose by 30.9 per cent, and Pakistan's current account balance was positive for the first time, according to the briefing. The fiscal deficit narrowed to 2.6 per cent of GNP in 2024-2025, while the primary balance increased to 3 per cent of GNP. The policy rate was gradually reduced to 11 percent and loans to the private sector for development rose to Rs681 billion from July 2024 to May 2025. The GNP size for 2024-2025 is estimated at Rs114 trillion. The NEC also approved the macroeconomic framework and targets for 2025-2026 and directed ministries, provinces, and government agencies to collaborate with the Planning and Development Ministry to achieve the development plan's goals, prioritising health, education, infrastructure, water, and housing sectors. A report on the Central Development Working Party (CDWP)'s progress from April 2024 to March 2025 was presented, along with details of projects approved by CDWP and the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) during that period. The council approved the 13th Five-Year Plan (2024-2029) and the Uraan Pakistan framework, noting their alignment. A third-party monitoring report on the Annual National Development Programme projects was reviewed, and future planning will incorporate its recommendations. Prime Minister Sharif congratulated participants on Pakistan's victory in the May 10 'Bunyanum Marsoos,' attributing the success to the Armed Forces' professionalism and bravery. He condemned India's recent hostile narrative, describing it as a threat to regional peace and security. 'The people of Pakistan are fully united against India for the protection of national integrity,' Sharif said, rejecting India's threats to Pakistan's water resources as unacceptable. He vowed to defend these resources following the 'Bunyanum Marsoos.' In a special meeting with the four provincial chief ministers, PM Sharif emphasised joint efforts between the federation and provinces to develop a strategy to protect water resources amid Indian aggression. The prime minister highlighted the role of recent federal-provincial cooperation in achieving economic stability and called attention to agriculture as key to boosting foreign exchange earnings and growth. Strategies are being developed to gradually increase agricultural production. The NEC, unanimously, approved its six-point agenda. PM Sharif thanked members for consensus on national matters, describing it as essential for Pakistan's future. The meeting included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Prime Minister's Adviser Rana Sanaullah, and the four chief ministers – Maryam Nawaz (Punjab), Syed Murad Ali Shah (Sindh), Ali Amin Gandapur (Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa), and Nawab Sarfraz Bugti (Balochistan). Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
24-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
CDWP clears seven projects worth Rs104bn
ISLAMABAD: The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) cleared seven development projects at cost of Rs104 billion. The CDWP approved four development projects at cost of Rs8 billion and referred three major projects at cost of Rs96 billon to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) for final consideration and approval. The CDWP met with Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives and Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Ahsan Iqbal in the chair at P-Block Secretariat. CDWP approves four projects worth Rs21.83bn The meeting was attended by Awais Manzur Sumra, Secretary Planning, along with Chief Economist, other members of the Planning Commission, federal secretaries, heads of provincial planning and development (P&D) departments, and senior representatives from relevant federal ministries and provincial governments. The agenda focused on development projects across key sectors, including industries and production, information technology and transport and communications. Two projects related to industries and commerce accorded the approval namely, '1,000 Industrial Stitching Units (Phase-II)' at cost of Rs1,950 million and 'Acquisition of Land for Establishment of SME Facilitation Centres at Various Locations' worth Rs1,250 million. Two projects related to information technology approved in the meeting namely, 'Development of Pakistan Lunar Exploration Rover (PLExR) for Chang'E-8 Mission' worth Rs2,535 million and 'Pakistan Manned Space Mission' worth Rs2,243.20 million. Three projects related to transport and communications presented in the CDWP forum namely, 'Improvement of Road from Sanghar to National Highway N-5 at Point Rohri via Mundh Jamrao and Saleput 0.00 to 221.00 kms' recommended to the Ecnec at revised cost of Rs36,910.449 million. The road connecting Sanghar Mundh Jamrao to Rohri Toll Plaza in District Sukkur is a vital corridor linking numerous villages and towns across Sanghar, Shaheed Benazirabad, Khairpur, and Sukkur. Over time, the road has deteriorated significantly due to wear and the heavy rainfall in Lower Sindh in 2011, resulting in potholes, surface undulations, and eroded berms. The revised project includes a New Jersey barrier, a new pre-stressed bridge, and a provision for design, drawing, and supervision. Once completed, this corridor will enhance connectivity between eastern Sindh and upper Pakistan, playing a crucial role in the transportation of Thar coal for power generation and contributing significantly to regional infrastructure development and economic growth. Another project of transport and communication sector presented in the meeting namely, 'Construction of Additional Carriageway along Mehran Highway from Nawabshah to Ranipur (135.0 Kms (Revised)' was referred to ECNEC at revised cost of Rs41,034.440 million. The revised project envisages the dualisation of 135 km of Mehran Highway road from Nawabshah to Ranipur, including widening of the road by 4.95 metres on each side, overlaying of the existing 3.35-metrewide road, and construction of 3.5-metre-wide shoulders on both sides. The scope of work includes the construction of New Jersey barriers, bypasses, RCC bridges, pre-stressed concrete bridges, RCC culverts, drainage and erosion control works, embankments, retaining walls, watercourse protection, and stone pitching. It also encompasses provision of guard rails, lane marking, cat-eyes, village traffic signboards, gantries, cantilever boards, and the shifting or rerouting of Sui gas lines and optical fibre cables. Another project of T&C sector presented in the meeting namely, 'Improvement of Road from Rohri to Guddu Barrage @ M-5 Interchange Sadiqabad via Khanpur Mahar, Mirpur Mathelo & Mureed Shakh (150.00 Kms)' was referred to ECNEC at revised cost of Rs17,971.360 million. This strategic road project is expected to significantly improve regional connectivity and support economic development across northern Sindh and adjoining areas. During a comprehensive review of transport and communications sector projects, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Ahsan Iqbal, directed the member infrastructure to review construction schedule rates of federal and provincial governments and notifying new schedule of rates based on market rates. The deputy chairman underscored the importance of this analysis for ensuring cost-efficiency and fiscal responsibility in infrastructure development. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
24-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
CDWP okays seven projects worth Rs104b
Listen to article Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal on Friday chaired a meeting of the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) that approved seven projects worth Rs104 billion. "Out of these, four projects with a cumulative cost of Rs8 billion were approved at the CDWP level. Additionally, three major projects, amounting to Rs96 billion, were recommended to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) for final approval," a news release said. The forum approved two projects relating to industries and commerce namely the "1,000 Industrial Stitching Units (Phase-II)" worth Rs1,950 million and the "Acquisition of Land for Establishment of SME Facilitation Centres at Various Locations" worth Rs1,250 million. It gave the go-ahead to two projects pertaining to information technology namely the "Development of Pakistan Lunar Exploration Rover (PLExR) for Chang'E-8 Mission" worth Rs2,535 million and the "Pakistan Manned Space Mission" worth Rs2,243 million. The CDWP referred three projects belonging to the transport and communication sector to Ecnec including the "Improvement of Road from Sanghar to National Highway N-5 at Point Rohri via Mundh Jamrao and Saleput 0.00 to 221 km" with a revised cost of Rs36,910 million. Another project titled the "Construction of Additional Carriageway along Mehran Highway from Nawabshah to Ranipur (135 km)" was forwarded to Ecnec at a revised cost of Rs41,034 million. The forum referred a project called the "Improvement of Road from Rohri to Guddu Barrage @ M-5 Interchange Sadiqabad via Khanpur Mahar, Mirpur Mathelo & Mureed Shah (150 km)" to Ecnec at a revised cost of Rs17,971 million.
Business Recorder
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
CDWP approves four projects worth Rs21.83bn
ISLAMABAD: The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) cleared a total of 10 development projects at a cost of Rs 249.17 billion. The CDWP approved four development projects at a cost of Rs 21.83 billion and referred six development projects valued of Rs 227.34 billion to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final consideration and approval. The CDWP met with Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives and Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Ahsan Iqbal in the chair at P-Block Secretariat. The meeting was attended by Awais Manzur Sumra, Secretary Planning along with chief economist, VC PIDE, other members of the Planning Commission, federal secretaries, heads of Provincial Planning and Development (P&D) departments, and senior representatives from relevant federal ministries and provincial governments. The agenda focused on development projects across key sectors, including transport and communications, environment, higher education and information technology. A project related to information technology was presented in the meeting namely, 'Expansion of Safe City, Islamabad (New)' at a cost of Rs 7,499.339 million approved by the CDWP forum. The project is proposed to be financed through PSDP. Currently, 35 percent of Islamabad is under surveillance through Safe City project after completion of project 100 percent all major areas including major roads, religious places, VVIP areas and government buildings, entry/exit and other important points will be covered. It is pertinent to mention that existing project was planned for coverage of 13 police stations which is now expanded to 28 police stations. The ICT Police facing challenges to have monitoring/surveillance of complete territory of Capital City. Additional 3,655 cameras will be installed in addition to already installed cameras. The scope of the project includes comprehensive capacity building through training programmes for executive staff on all modules developed under the initiative. It also encompasses development of advanced software and analytics capabilities, along with the implementation of an Integrated Video Management System (IVMS). Key features include Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) for standardized plates, facial recognition using high-quality photographs matched against a standardised database, and enhanced traffic management systems. These systems will enable vehicle identification, integration with excise and stolen vehicle databases, as well as vehicle count and classification. The project also involves the installation and distribution of essential hardware, including screens, servers, fixed and PTZ cameras, ANPR cameras, and network distribution switches, ensuring a fully integrated and functional system. A project of higher education sector presented namely, 'Establishment of National Center for Quantum Computing (NCQC) – (New)' worth Rs 3,318.363 million approved by the CDWP. The scope of work for the establishment of the National Center for Quantum Computing (NCQC) includes civil works encompassing HVAC systems and furniture, along with the setup of specialised laboratory equipment for quantum computing and training. It also covers the provision of furniture and fixtures, licensing costs for HUB, UET Main Campus, GIKI, and NED Karachi, as well as human resource expenses. The project includes MS scholarships, international training programmes, institutional linkages, and travel expenses including TA/DA, all combined for the aforementioned institutions. While thoroughly discussing the project, the DCPC and Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasised that 'Establishing a National Centre for Quantum Computing in Pakistan' is essential to securing the country's technological sovereignty and enhancing its future global competitiveness. He said that quantum computing holds transformative potential in fields such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, drug discovery, and climate modeling. Another project related to higher education sector presented in the forum namely, 'Higher Education Development in Pakistan (HEDP) (Revised)' was referred to ECNEC with a revised cost of Rs 21,190.777 million. Under this project tertiary education in Pakistan includes universities and affiliated colleges (ACs), with the former overseen by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the latter jointly managed by universities and provincial departments. Six transport and communication projects were presented during the meeting, including the 'Dualization of Sargodha–Khushab–Mianwali Road (60.43 km) in District Khushab – (Revised),' which was referred to ECNEC for further consideration at a revised cost of Rs 11,806.516 million. The project envisages construction/dualisation of 60.43-km long and 7.31-meter wide (having formation width 27.432-meter wide) into a 4-lane dual carriageway from Khushab to Mianwali, in District Khushab. The project road passes through Jauharabad, Hadali, Botala, Mitha Tiwana, Okhali Mohala, Quaidabad, Bandial, which is terminates at Mianwali. The scope of work, includes, construction of bridge on over River Jhelum, flyovers, walkways, box and pipe culverts, retaining walls, pile foundation of bridge. The scope of work also includes, construction of drain, stone pitching, median, toll plaza, improvement of main chowks, provision of shoulders on either side along with allied structures. Another project of T&C sector presented namely, 'Development of a Controlled Access Corridor Facility from Niazi Interchange to BabuSabu Interchange, Lahore (New)' worth Rs 10,842.253 million referred to ECNEC for further consideration. Another project of the T&C sector presented namely, 'Dualisation of Road from Gujranwala to M-2 Interchange at KotSarwar via Hafizabad Length (70.5 Km) (Revised)' which was referred to ECNEC for further consideration at a revised cost of Rs 13,230.672 million. The revised project envisages dualising the existing 2-lane road from Alam Chowk in Gujranwala to KotSarwar Interchange at M-2 via Hafizabad, with a total length of 74.15 kilometres. The alignment passes through two districts, covering 34.00 kilometres in Gujranwala District and 40.15 kilometres in Hafizabad District. The proposed dual carriageway will consist of a 24-feet wide main carriageway with 4-feet and 2-feet wide shoulders on either side. Rigid pavement and a service carriageway are proposed in built-up areas, while the main carriageway will be constructed using flexible pavement with 5-inch thick asphaltic concrete laid in two layers. The scope of work also includes the widening of existing culverts as per site requirements and the provision of one flyover at Ladhaywala Waraich to ensure smooth traffic flow and to address the narrow Right of Way (ROW) in that area. A project of Pakistan Railways was also presented and approved, 'Rehabilitation of Track Maintenance Machines (Revised)' worth Rs 5,312.876 million by the forum. A project related to T&C sector presented in the meeting namely, 'Reconstruction of National Highway N-5 under Pakistan's Resilient Recovery and Reconstruction Framework Project, Phase-I 210 Km (New)' worth Rs 155,408.403 million referred to ECNEC for further consideration. The project is proposed to be financed through foreign funding on 90:10 sharing basis, 90 percent to be provided by the AIIB and 10 percent through PSDP. The Project PC-I of Phase-01, under Pakistan's Resilient Recovery and Reconstruction Framework, involves the reconstruction, rehabilitation, and conversion of a 210-kilometre stretch of the N-5 (GT Road) from a 4-lane to a 6-lane wide dual carriageway. The project scope includes the construction of a 7.3-metre wide service road in urban areas, upgrading the existing corridor into climate-resilient infrastructure with additional cross drainage structures, widening and improvement of existing bridges, geometric enhancements, installation of road safety devices, pedestrian bridges, and provision of dedicated U-turns. Phase-I of the project comprises two sub-phases, Phase I-A and Phase I-B, covering a total of 210 kilometres. Phase I-A, spanning 141 kilometres, includes the sections from Ranipur to Rohri, Rawalpindi to Hassanabdal, and Nowshera to Peshawar. Phase I-B, covering 69 kilometres, includes the Lahore to Gujranwala section and the NaiBaran Bridge. A project related to T&C sector presented in the meeting namely, 'Dualisation of Road from Chishtian to Chak No 46/3R via Dahrnawala (41.154 km) including Two Lane Link Road from Dahrnawala to Chak 175M (4.859 km)-(Revised)' worth Rs 14,859.054 million referred to ECNEC for further consideration. The source of financing is based on 50:50 cost-sharing basis between the federal government and the Government of Punjab. The project aims to provide safer, faster, and more efficient transportation. The dualisation will enable smooth traffic flow, significantly reduce accidents, lower vehicle operating costs, and save travel time. It will also generate employment opportunities for local communities. Aligned with national transport sector objectives, the project addresses inefficiencies in Pakistan's road transport system—such as slow speeds, high costs, and low reliability—which hinder trade competitiveness and increase the cost of doing business. By supporting a more efficient and sustainable highway network, the project will contribute to economic growth and better integration into global supply chains. A project related to environment sector presented in the meeting namely, 'IPF Component for Punjab Clean Air Programme (PCAP) (New)' worth Rs 5,700.351 million approved by the CDWP. The project is proposed to be financed through foreign funding. The Punjab Clean Air Programme (PCAP) is a comprehensive initiative aimed at addressing the severe air pollution crisis in Punjab through a multi-sectoral approach involving key sectors such as transport, environment, and agriculture. The programme includes the introduction of electric buses and electric two- and three-wheelers, alongside the strengthening of vehicle inspection and certification systems. It also focuses on enhancing air quality monitoring and fuel testing laboratories to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. The PCAP prioritises public health and sustainability by targeting the reduction of PM 2.5 emissions and raising community awareness. Additionally, it promotes sustainable agricultural practices by subsidising Super Seeders to prevent crop residue burning, offering a practical solution to improve air quality, safeguard health, and support eco-friendly transportation. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
CDWP approves Rs21.83b worth of projects
Listen to article The Central Development Working Party (CDWP), chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives and Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Ahsan Iqbal, approved ten development projects. Of these, four projects with a total cost of Rs21.83 billion were approved at the CDWP level, while six major projects worth approximately Rs227.34 billion were referred to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final approval. According to a press statement issued on Tuesday, the meeting was attended by Awais Manzur Sumra, Secretary Planning, Chief Economist, VC PIDE, other members of the Planning Commission, Federal Secretaries, and senior representatives from provincial governments and relevant ministries. The agenda included projects from key sectors such as Transport & Communications, Environment, Higher Education, and Information Technology. One approved IT project was the "Expansion of Safe City, Islamabad" worth Rs7.5 billion. Currently, 35% of Islamabad is under surveillance; upon completion, 100% of the city will be monitored, covering roads, religious sites, VVIP areas, and government buildings. The project will expand surveillance from 13 to 28 police stations with 3,655 additional cameras and also includes executive staff training, facial recognition systems, ANPR, and an Integrated Video Management System. Another approved project was the "Establishment of National Centre for Quantum Computing (NCQC)" worth Rs3.31 billion. It covers civil works, laboratory equipment, scholarships, international training, and institutional linkages at HUB, UET, GIKI, and NED. Ahsan Iqbal emphasised the centre's role in securing Pakistan's technological future and competitiveness in cybersecurity, AI, drug discovery, and climate modelling. A revised "Higher Education Development in Pakistan (HEDP)" project worth Rs21.19 billion was referred to ECNEC. It addresses weaknesses in tertiary education, especially in Affiliated Colleges, by providing technology, funding mechanisms, and improved governance with World Bank support. Six Transport and Communication projects were also referred to ECNEC, including dualization of roads in Khushab, Gujranwala, and Chishtian, and a Lahore access corridor. A Rs155.4 billion highway reconstruction project under the Resilient Recovery Framework, to be 90% funded by AIIB, was also included. The CDWP also approved the Rs5.31 billion rehabilitation of railway track maintenance machines and a Rs5.7 billion Punjab Clean Air Programme targeting PM2.5 emissions through electric vehicles, fuel testing, and anti-smog agricultural practices.
