Islamabad, The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has put forward two substantial projects totaling Rs. 609.45 billion for the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council’s (ECNEC) approval. These projects aim to enhance Pakistan’s infrastructure in the energy and transport sectors, reflecting significant international cooperation and investment.

According to Press Information Department, the CDWP’s meeting in Islamabad was attended by notable officials including Secretary Planning Awais Manzur Sumra and representatives from various federal ministries and provincial governments. The first project discussed was the “Golden Gol Hydropower Project” in Chitral, which is expected to produce 108 MW of power and has already generated substantial energy since its commissioning in 2019. This project, valued at Rs. 42,002 million, is being considered for additional funding by ECNEC with contributions from the OPEC Fund for International Development, the Saudi Fund for Development, the Kuwaiti Fund for Arab Economic Development, and a grant from USAID.

The second major initiative is the upgrade of the Karakorum Highway (KKH) from Thakot to Raikot under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with a budget of Rs. 567,453 million. This extensive project, expected to be financed through a Chinese soft loan, involves the upgrading, improvement, and realignment of 241.086 km of road, enhancing connectivity and safety on this crucial route.

These initiatives underscore Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to modernize its infrastructure and boost economic growth through strategic partnerships and international funding.