CDWP approves 7 projects worth Rs24.38 billion under URAAN Pakistan initiative

The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved seven development projects worth Rs24.385 billion under the URAAN Pakistan initiative, covering multiple sectors including education, health, governance and infrastructure.

The meeting, chaired by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, reviewed a range of proposals aligned with the government’s development framework focused on human capital, governance reforms and infrastructure improvement.

Among the approved projects, a governance-related initiative to strengthen the Counter Terrorism Department in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, costing Rs1.98 billion, received approval subject to revision of ammunition costs.

In the education sector, two Daanish School projects were considered. A revised project for a Daanish School in Islamabad’s Kuri area, valued at Rs6.99 billion, was approved only for the girls’ hostel component in line with the prime minister’s directive. Another project for establishing a Daanish School in Tando Muhammad Khan, Sindh, costing Rs3.69 billion, was approved with instructions to align costs with existing models.

The CDWP also approved the Sindh Health Support Program worth Rs2.27 billion, largely financed by the World Bank, with a provincial contribution included.

In the physical planning and housing sector, two projects were cleared, including construction of a federal tribunals and courts complex in Peshawar costing Rs628.8 million and a model prison in Islamabad valued at Rs7.39 billion.

Additionally, a project for establishing an air quality monitoring network in Sindh, estimated at Rs1.42 billion, was conditionally approved with directions to secure required funding.

The planning minister emphasised adherence to cost controls and directed relevant departments to standardise project structures and submit detailed financial and operational plans where required.

Officials said the approved projects are part of broader efforts to strengthen governance, improve public services and support long-term economic development under the URAAN Pakistan initiative.