CDWP clears 12 development projects worth Rs435.7bn under URAAN Pakistan initiative

The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) on Thursday approved 12 development projects worth Rs435.665 billion, including six projects valued at Rs16.904 billion, while recommending six major schemes costing Rs418.761 billion to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final approval

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Jun, 2026) The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) on Thursday approved 12 development projects worth Rs435.665 billion, including six projects valued at Rs16.904 billion, while recommending six major schemes costing Rs418.761 billion to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final approval.

The CDWP meeting, chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives/Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Professor Ahsan Iqbal, reviewed a range of development initiatives aimed at strengthening key sectors of the economy and advancing the government's reform agenda under the URAAN Pakistan initiative.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Planning Awais Manzur Sumra, members of the Planning Commission, federal secretaries, heads of provincial planning and development departments, and senior representatives of relevant ministries and provincial governments.

The forum considered projects from the information technology, physical planning and housing, power and water sectors, focusing on infrastructure modernization, governance reforms and sustainable economic growth.

In the power sector, the CDWP approved five projects for the installation of Asset Performance Management Systems (APMS) in distribution companies, including SEPCO, QESCO, PESCO and HAZECO, along with a capacity-building project for the Boosting Energy Security through Transmission in Pakistan (BEST-PAK) programme. The approved projects collectively aim to strengthen distribution networks, improve operational efficiency and reduce technical losses.

Two major power sector schemes, the installation of APMS in LESCO worth Rs24.065 billion and the Installation of Reactive Power Compensation Devices in the National Grid Company network worth Rs194.951 billion, were referred to ECNEC for further consideration.

During the discussion, Ahsan Iqbal directed authorities to include procurement specialists in mega projects and standardize cost estimates for major distribution companies. He also emphasized the need for comprehensive load assessments to ensure effective planning and implementation.

The minister said energy security remained a key pillar of the URAAN Pakistan initiative, which seeks to accelerate economic growth, industrial competitiveness and sustainable development.

He stressed the importance of modernizing power infrastructure through advanced technologies, digital asset management systems and stronger transmission networks while accommodating increasing solar energy integration into the national grid.

Ahsan Iqbal said the approved energy projects would enhance the reliability and quality of electricity supply for households, businesses and industries, while supporting economic activity and long-term growth.

<?php /*?> <?php */?>

The forum also referred to ECNEC the Punjab Urban Land Systems Enhancement Project (PULSE), worth Rs43.081 billion, to be financed by the World Bank.

The project envisages digitization of urban and rural land records, cadastral mapping, digitization of property deeds, modernization of land administration systems and establishment of an inventory management system for state land assets.

The minister directed that the impact of exchange-rate variations be reconciled with the Government of Punjab before the project is submitted to ECNEC.

Meanwhile, the CDWP approved the Smart Islamabad Initiative (SII) – Phase I, costing Rs2.891 billion. The project aims to establish an integrated smart governance and security platform to improve inter-agency coordination, public service delivery and urban management through advanced technologies.

While approving the scheme, Ahsan Iqbal directed that clear sector-specific outcomes be incorporated into the PC-I to facilitate impact assessment and accountability.

In the physical planning and housing sector, the CDWP referred the Construction of Wastewater Treatment Plant at Babu Sabu, Lahore, worth Rs60.493 billion, to ECNEC. The project, proposed to be financed by the French Development Agency (AFD), aims to treat Lahore’s wastewater, reduce environmental pollution, improve public health and support climate-resilient urban development.

The forum directed the Member Infrastructure of the Planning Commission to review the proposed cost increase in consultation with the Punjab government before its submission to ECNEC.

The CDWP also recommended to ECNEC the revised Construction of Jalalpur Irrigation Canal Project and its System, costing Rs64.096 billion. The project is being financed primarily by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and seeks to improve irrigation infrastructure and water management in Punjab.

A committee headed by the Member of Infrastructure was constituted to finalize the project cost before its consideration by the ECNEC.

Another revised project, the Southern Punjab Poverty Alleviation Project (SPPAP) – IFAD Assisted, worth Rs32.075 billion, was also recommended to ECNEC. The project is financed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Government of Punjab and beneficiaries, and is aimed at reducing poverty, improving livelihoods and promoting inclusive development in remote districts of Southern Punjab.

The forum noted that the project aligns with the government’s poverty alleviation strategy and supports the objectives of the URAAN Pakistan 5Es National Economic Transformation Plan, particularly in the areas of economy, infrastructure, equity and empowerment.