Pakistan CDWP clears Rs160.2bn development portfolio, flags major projects for ECNEC

Pakistan’s Central Development Working Party (CDWP) approved and recommended a slate of development projects worth Rs160.2 billion across multiple sectors, according to an official statement issued on Friday.

The meeting, chaired by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, approved two projects costing Rs8.5bn and recommended four major projects worth Rs151.7bn to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).

Among the key proposals sent to ECNEC was the Sindh Human Capital Investment: 1,000 Days – Integrated Health and Population Programme, costing Rs55,078.535 million, which will focus on reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health, nutrition and family planning. The project will be implemented by the Sindh Health Department and Population Welfare Department with foreign financing.

The CDWP also recommended the Emergency Flood Assistance Project – Sindh Works and Services Department Component, with a cost of Rs60,054.590 million, funded 87% by the Asian Development Bank and 13% by the Sindh government. The project will rehabilitate road infrastructure in flood-affected districts including Badin, Dadu, Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Larkana, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Thatta and Umerkot, among others.

The forum further recommended the Karachi Urban Infrastructure Development Package, estimated at Rs15bn, to be financed through the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), targeting infrastructure gaps across Karachi’s Central, East, South, West, Korangi and Malir districts.

Another project forwarded to ECNEC was the revised PC-I of the Winder Dam Project in Balochistan, costing Rs21,621.588 million, financed through PSDP with provincial contributions for land acquisition and associated costs. The project aims to improve irrigation and water availability for domestic and agricultural use.

Separately, the CDWP approved the Hyderabad Urban Infrastructure Development Package, costing Rs5bn, financed via PSDP, to improve urban mobility and services. It also approved the rehabilitation of BT Road from Liari to Lakhra and Uthal to Lakhra in Lasbela, costing Rs3,515.067 million, to restore connectivity in flood-affected areas of Balochistan.

The meeting also endorsed the selection committee for nine Seerat Chairs under PSDP, covering areas such as leadership, justice, education, social welfare, peace, interfaith harmony, business, sustainable development and gender studies. The minister directed the establishment of a Digital Media Unit and completion of scholar selection within three weeks.

Iqbal said development projects must align with national priorities, strengthen human capital and climate-resilient infrastructure, and deliver measurable socio-economic outcomes. He added that implementation would be closely monitored to ensure effective use of public funds.