The Central Development Working Party (CDWP), chaired by the Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, has approved eight development projects totaling Rs. 144.3 billion. Among these, the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital project, valued at nearly Rs. 53 billion, was approved despite lacking a detailed feasibility study and business plan.
During the meeting, five projects worth Rs. 15.35 billion received CDWP approval, while three projects totaling Rs. 129 billion were recommended to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for further consideration. The meeting was attended by key government officials, including Secretary Planning Awais Manzur Sumra and representatives from federal ministries and provincial governments.
The agenda covered projects in various sectors, including education, health, higher education, transport and communication, and water resources. Ahsan Iqbal expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for his appointment as Deputy Chairman for the fourth time and emphasized the importance of the CDWP in approving development projects exceeding one billion rupees.
Iqbal highlighted the challenges posed by the country’s economic crises, noting that the development budget has struggled to maintain the Rs. 1,000 billion level set by the PMLN government in 2018. He stressed the need for sustainable growth, currency stabilization, and economic stability through resource mobilization, as well as expanding the tax net and promoting exports.
The Deputy Chairman also pointed out that over 50 percent of total expenditure is consumed by debt servicing, necessitating careful planning and value for money in development projects. He urged provinces and ministries to exercise caution and responsibility in project planning, ensuring quality and alignment with national priorities.
Among the approved projects, the “Reaching Out of School Children (OOSC) in AJK” initiative, worth Rs. 7,183.515 million and financed by an IsDB loan, was cleared. The Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment & Research in Lahore, valued at Rs. 52,772.520 million, was recommended to ECNEC. This project aims to provide comprehensive cancer treatment through a 565-bed facility and includes civil works, medical equipment procurement, and staff hiring.
In the higher education sector, four projects were approved, including the establishment of national centers for artificial intelligence, big data and cloud computing, robotics and automation, and cyber security. These projects aim to advance technology readiness levels and promote a culture of big data analytics and cloud computing.
The “Sindh Flood Emergency Rehabilitation Project (SFERP) Phase-II,” worth Rs. 61,308 million and proposed to be financed by a World Bank loan, was recommended to ECNEC. This project seeks to rehabilitate infrastructure damaged during the 2022 floods and enhance disaster response capacity.
Additionally, the “Kachi Canal Project Restoration of Flood Damages 2022,” valued at Rs. 14,701.427 million, was recommended for further consideration. This project aims to restore the Kachhi Canal infrastructure in Punjab, addressing damages caused by torrential rains and flash floods.
The CDWP also cleared two concept papers: “Recovery of Maternal and Child Health Care Equipment in Flood Affected Areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” sponsored by JICA, and “Green Energy Projects Financed by KFW Bank Germany-PEECA/Gov of Punjab,” financed by KFW Bank Germany.
