CDWP clears 24 projects worth Rs466b, prioritises AI, connectivity and infrastructure

• 15 projects worth Rs34.74b approved, while nine schemes costing Rs431b sent to ECNEC

• Ahsan Iqbal says technology, infrastructure investments key to economic growth

• AI data centre, national AI ecosystem programme among flagship initiatives

• PakSat-2 project to strengthen Pakistan’s satellite communication capabilities

 ISLAMABAD: The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) on Thursday approved 15 development projects worth Rs34.74 billion and recommended nine major projects, with a cumulative cost of Rs431.02 billion, to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final approval, underscoring the government’s focus on technology, connectivity and infrastructure-led growth.

Chairing the meeting, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives and Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Professor Ahsan Iqbal said strategic investments in emerging technologies, modern infrastructure and connectivity would accelerate economic growth and strengthen Pakistan’s transition toward a knowledge-based economy.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Planning Awais Manzur Sumra, Chief Economist, Vice Chancellor of PIDE, members of the Planning Commission, federal secretaries, heads of provincial Planning and Development departments and senior representatives of relevant federal ministries and provincial governments.

The minister said the approved projects were aligned with the vision of Uraan Pakistan, with a focus on digital transformation, modern infrastructure, human capital development and sustainable economic growth.

He emphasized that investments in artificial intelligence, data infrastructure and digital connectivity were critical to enhancing national competitiveness and fostering innovation-driven development.

Among the projects approved by the CDWP were the exploration of radioactive minerals in the Marwat Range, installation of CT Scan and MRI machines in DHQ and teaching hospitals of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, establishment of Prime Minister’s E-Sports Arenas and Training Centres in higher education institutions, and development of the Geospatialx Complex (GEO-AI Development and Innovation Hub).

The forum also approved the upgradation of IT infrastructure at the Faculty of Security Studies of the National Defence University, the PAKAWAZ Secure Mobile Communication Ecosystem, construction of accommodation and operational facilities for Intelligence Bureau and Frontier Corps personnel, establishment of a 120-bed hospital for Frontier Corps South in Turbat, and creation of a Robotics Centre of Excellence.

In the power sector, the CDWP approved the supply of three-phase Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters under LESCO’s Power Distribution Strengthening Project-II, while two revised road connectivity schemes in Punjab were also cleared.

The projects referred to ECNEC included the Rs7.93 billion Establishment of Emerging Technologies Data Centre project, aimed at providing sovereign artificial intelligence and high-performance computing infrastructure, and the Rs13 billion National Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem Development Programme (NAIEDP), designed to strengthen Pakistan’s AI ecosystem through comprehensive feasibility studies and implementation planning.

The CDWP also recommended the Rs37.19 billion Pakistan Communication Satellite-2 (PakSat-2) project, which seeks to enhance national satellite communication capabilities through the deployment of a new communications satellite and the upgradation of ground control facilities.

Other projects referred to ECNEC included the establishment of a Special Protection Unit facility for Islamabad Police, strengthening and improvement of electricity supply networks in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, construction of the Lalamusa Bypass on N-5, upgradation of the 996-kilometre ML-3 railway section from Rohri to Taftan, construction of the Mashkel-Chedgi Road in Balochistan, and the revised Rathoa Haryam Bridge project in Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

While reviewing the Rathoa Haryam Bridge scheme, Ahsan Iqbal noted that the project had remained stalled for years and said the government had prioritized its revival after assuming office in 2022.

He said the completion of long-delayed projects reflected the government’s commitment to ensuring timely execution of development initiatives, improving regional connectivity and supporting sustainable economic progress.