The Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives informed the National Assembly that 43 projects worth $24.703 billion under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) have been completed, while eight projects worth $759.56 million are currently under implementation.
Responding to a question from Tahira Aurangzeb during Question Hour, the officials from the planning ministry highlighted that in Balochistan, projects include the Infrastructure of Gwadar Free Zone Phase-II under Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and the Bostan Special Economic Zone under a public-private partnership (PPP).
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Rashakai Special Economic Zone is being developed through foreign direct investment and public-private partnership at a cost of $146 million, and a $15.7 million grant is funding the maintenance and renovation of 50 schools in the newly merged districts.
Sindh’s Dhabeji Special Economic Zone, valued at $27 million, is being developed under private investment.
Punjab is hosting the Allama Iqbal Industrial City (AIIC) with $160 million in Annual Development Programme (ADP) assistance. Islamabad’s Bacerial Grass (Juncao) Training and Promotion Project is progressing with a $3.66 million grant, while a $116 million grant is supporting the nationwide Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Flood-Affected Infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance informed the National Assembly that the current account deficit (CAD) shrank by 79% to $217 million during the first two months of FY25, with a surplus recorded in August. This reduction is attributed to robust remittance inflows and stable export earnings.
In response to a question, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Wajiha Qamar stated that Gwadar Port is operational, equipped to handle general cargo, containers, and bulk operations.
She noted that the port accommodates vessels of up to 50,000 DWT and has processed multiple shipments under the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement.
