URAAN Pakistan Initiative: CDWP approves 7 uplift projects worth Rs24.385bn
ISLAMABAD: The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) approved seven development projects worth PKR 24.385 billion under the URAAN Pakistan Initiative, aimed at strengthening the country’s development and promoting sustainable economic growth.
The CDWP met on Wednesday under the chairmanship of the Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives and Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Ahsan Iqbal. The meeting reviewed and considered a range of development initiatives aimed at strengthening key sectors of the national economy and accelerating the government’s reform agenda.
During the meeting, the forum approved seven development projects worth PKR 24.385 billion under the URAAN Pakistan Initiative, aimed at strengthening the country’s development and promoting sustainable economic growth.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Economist, Vice Chancellor PIDE, Members of the Planning Commission, Federal Secretaries, heads of Provincial Planning & Development Departments, and senior representatives from relevant federal ministries and provincial governments.
The agenda included projects from all the sectors, including Education & Training, Governance, Health, Physical Planning & Housing and Governance. These projects are aligned with the government’s broader development vision and reform agenda under URAAN Pakistan, which focuses on strengthening human capital, modernizing governance, improving infrastructure, and promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
A new project related to the Environment sector was presented in the forum, namely “Air Quality Monitoring Network for Air Quality Management Improvement in Sindh” for PKR 1418.400 million, conditionally approved by the forum, with the directions of DCPC to coordinate with EAD for the required funding for this project.
A new project related to the governance sector titled “Strengthening of Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) (Development Component)”, with a total cost of PKR 1981.650 million, was approved by the CDWP. The approval is subject to the condition that the cost of ammunition be rationalized and revised according to the forum directions.
During the meeting, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Ahsan Iqbal, emphasized the critical importance of the project for Azad Jammu & Kashmir, highlighting its significance in strengthening counter-terrorism capacity in the region. Drawing on his experience as former Minister for Interior, he underscored the urgent need for such initiatives to effectively address security challenges and enhance institutional preparedness.
Two projects related to the Education & Training sector were presented in the meeting. The first revised project, namely “Establishment of Daanish School in ICT Kuri” worth Rs. 6996.586 million, was approved by the forum strictly based on the Prime Minister’s directions, with approval granted only for the girls’ hostel component.
During the review, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Ahsan Iqbal, categorically directed the relevant department to ensure that all Daanish Schools follow a standardized model in terms of structure, cost, and scope. He emphasized that no additional cost beyond the approved component would be allowed, reiterating that only the girls’ hostel, as per the Prime Minister’s directives, stands approved.
He further directed the Ministry of Education to coordinate with the Ministry of Finance to develop a comprehensive five-year financial plan and assess the funding requirements for all Daanish Schools. Highlighting the shrinking size of the PSDP, he stressed the need for fiscal discipline and cautioned against any cost escalations in PSDP projects. The Minister also directed the concerned authorities to submit a detailed operational and budgetary plan within two weeks.
The second project in the Education & Training sector presented in the meeting, namely “Establishment of Daanish School at Sindh (Tandoo Muhammad Khan)” worth PKR 3693.836 million, was approved by the forum with the direction to rationalize the project cost in line with the PC-I of other Daanish Schools, ensuring consistency in structure, scope, and financial estimates.
A revised project of the Health Sector, namely “Sindh Health Support Program” worth PKR 2266.997 million, was approved by the forum. The project is primarily financed through foreign funding by the World Bank, amounting to PKR 2100.539 million, while the Government of Sindh will contribute PKR 166.458 million as its share.
While reviewing the project, the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission highlighted that the health sector is a key pillar of the government’s development agenda under the URAAN Pakistan initiative. He emphasized that strengthening healthcare systems is essential for improving human capital and ensuring inclusive and sustainable development across the country.
Two projects related to the Physical Planning & Housing sector were presented in the meeting and approved by the forum. The first, a revised project titled “Construction of Federal Tribunals/Courts Complex at Hayatabad, Peshawar” worth PKR 628.816 million, received approval. The second, a new project titled “Construction of Model Prison H-16 Islamabad” worth PKR 7399.120 million, was also approved by the forum.