Pakistan advances connectivity agenda as CDWP clears projects aligned with CPEC vision

Pakistan moved forward with a series of major infrastructure, technology and connectivity initiatives on Thursday afternoon as the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) approved and recommended development projects worth more than Rs465 billion, with several schemes reinforcing the broader objectives of regional connectivity, economic integration and modernization associated with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Chairing the meeting, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives and Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Ahsan Iqbal said the projects were aligned with the government’s development framework under URAAN Pakistan, aimed at strengthening human capital, improving infrastructure, accelerating digital transformation and promoting sustainable economic growth.

Among the most significant projects recommended to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) was Pakistani Rs278.6 billion upgradation of track and allied infrastructure on the ML-3 railway corridor from Rohri to Sibi, Quetta and Koh-e-Taftan. The railway project is viewed as an important component of Pakistan’s long-term connectivity strategy, complementing the wider transport and logistics objectives pursued under CPEC by improving links between southern and western parts of the country and enhancing access to regional trade corridors.

Officials said the project would include track renewal, rehabilitation of bridges and embankments, replacement of turnouts and construction of 11 new railway stations between Spezand and Taftan. The scheme is planned in two phases extending from 2026 to 2033 and is expected to improve freight movement, facilitate trade and strengthen national transportation infrastructure.

Another project carrying strategic significance is Pakistan Communication Satellite-2 (PakSat-2), costing Rs37.19 billion. The satellite programme is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s communication infrastructure, improve digital connectivity and expand national capabilities in space technology. The project includes deployment of a communications satellite in geostationary orbit and upgradation of existing ground control facilities in Lahore and Karachi.

The satellite initiative is being viewed by policymakers as part of Pakistan’s broader technological modernization drive, complementing efforts to expand digital infrastructure and enhance technological cooperation with international partners, including China, which has been a longstanding partner in Pakistan’s space programme.

The CDWP also recommended the Rs13 billion National Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem Development Programme and the Rs7.93 billion Emerging Technologies Data Centre project. These initiatives are designed to build indigenous artificial intelligence capabilities, strengthen digital sovereignty, support cloud computing and provide high-performance computing infrastructure for government institutions, universities, researchers and the private sector.

Officials said the proposed data centre would reduce dependence on foreign cloud providers while supporting development of local AI solutions, innovation and digital entrepreneurship. The AI ecosystem programme will initially focus on comprehensive feasibility assessments covering technical, financial, governance and regulatory dimensions before moving into full implementation.

The meeting also recommended the Rs43.65 billion Mashkel-Chedgi Road project in Balochistan. The scheme includes construction of a 4.1-kilometre tunnel, bridges, culverts, retaining walls and associated infrastructure. The project is expected to improve accessibility in remote areas and contribute to regional connectivity and economic activity in western Balochistan.

Similarly, the Rs20.35 billion Lalamusa Bypass project was recommended for ECNEC approval to improve traffic flow on the national highway network and reduce congestion, while facilitating more efficient transportation of goods and passengers.

A major power sector initiative for Azad Jammu and Kashmir, costing nearly Rs10 billion, was also recommended. The project aims to strengthen and modernize the electricity distribution network through feeder upgradation, load bifurcation, transformer augmentation and establishment of repair facilities to improve reliability and reduce outages.

In addition, the forum recommended the Rs9.41 billion project for acquisition of land and feasibility studies for establishment of a Special Protection Unit in Islamabad, as well as the revised Rs10.87 billion Rathoa Haryam Bridge project in Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The bridge project, which had remained stalled for years, received special attention from the Planning Ministry after 2022. Ahsan Iqbal noted that the federal government had worked to resolve outstanding issues and ensure completion of the long-delayed initiative. Originally launched in 2006, the project has now been physically completed after receiving full support through the Public Sector Development Programme.

Besides the projects referred to ECNEC, the CDWP approved 15 development schemes worth Rs34.74 billion covering sectors such as healthcare, information technology, energy, security, higher education, mineral exploration and road infrastructure.

Among the approved projects were the provision of CT scan and MRI facilities in district and teaching hospitals of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, establishment of Prime Minister’s E-Sports Arenas and Training Centres in higher education institutions, development of the Geospatialx Complex and GEO-AI Innovation Hub, establishment of a Robotics Centre of Excellence, deployment of smart AMI electricity meters in Lahore Electric Supply Company areas and several infrastructure and accommodation projects for security institutions.