Islamabad: The Central Development Working Party (CDWP), chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, approved development projects worth Rs. 116 billion. The forum cleared seven projects, aiming to bolster sectors such as food and agriculture, governance, and higher education, while also recommending significant initiatives to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).
According to Press Information Department, five projects valued at Rs. 21.590 billion received CDWP approval, and two projects worth Rs. 94.301 billion were forwarded to ECNEC. The meeting involved key government officials, including federal secretaries and provincial representatives, and focused on advancing the government’s reform agenda under the URAAN Pakistan initiative.
A notable project approved was the “Promotion of Olive Cultivation on Commercial Scale in Pakistan Phase-II,” with a budget of Rs. 5,014.919 million. Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the potential for olive cultivation in specific regions and stressed private-sector involvement to enhance production. The initiative aims to expand olive farms in Balochistan and NMDs, targeting one million acres for plantation.
The CDWP also recommended the “Transforming and Digitalizing Revenue Administration (TADRA) Project” to ECNEC for further review. The Rs. 57,109 million project, funded through ADB assistance, aims to enhance revenue generation and expand the taxpayer base. The Federal Board of Revenue assured that the project would increase the tax-to-GDP ratio to 13.5% by 2029.
Additionally, the forum approved the “Establishment of DR. ASHFAQ AHMAD KHAN Center in Basic Sciences,” a project delayed since 2018 due to land issues. A committee was formed to update the center’s focus and identify suitable locations in various provinces for similar establishments.
Two IT sector projects were discussed, with the “PakSat-2 Satellite System” referred to ECNEC and the “Development of GEOSPATIALx COMPLEX” approved. The meeting also sanctioned the “Revamping and Refurbishment of Different Facilities at Pakistan Sports Complex,” emphasizing the need for effective execution and accountability. Lastly, a water sector project to improve WAPDA’s communication systems received approval, underscoring the importance of operational enhancements in water resources management.