Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal conducted a meeting to assess the progress of several development initiatives, including the Kachhi Canal Phase-II and issues related to the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) land acquisition.

According to Press Information Department, the meeting delved into the specifics of the Kachhi Canal Phase-II project and other important projects like the Allama Iqbal Memorial and Iqbal Library. The session also addressed delays in completing the 35-kilometre road between Loralai and Zhob, with a focus on ensuring its timely conclusion as per the Prime Minister’s orders.

Minister Iqbal stressed the importance of maintaining high construction standards for the Kachhi Canal project and urged collaboration with the Government of Balochistan to advance the project effectively and transparently. He expressed concern over the prolonged delay in the Capital Development Authority (CDA) providing land to PIDE, despite a considerable financial deposit by the institution.

Iqbal pointed out that PIDE had been waiting since 2022 for progress, with the allocated land often entangled in legal issues. He insisted that the CDA either provide the necessary land or return the Rs. 4 billion deposited by PIDE. The Federal Minister highlighted the need for fair treatment of public institutions to set an example for the general public.

On the Allama Iqbal Memorial and Iqbal Library, Iqbal directed the development to meet international standards and instructed the CDA to expedite the process, emphasizing the significance of the upcoming Year of Allama Iqbal. All authorities were urged to speed up project progress and adhere to the Prime Minister’s directives within the set timelines.