ISLAMABAD: The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved eleven development projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure and energy capabilities across Pakistan. The projects, which span various sectors, were sanctioned during a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

According to Radio Pakistan, key initiatives include the construction of a 40.8 MW Koto Hydropower Project in Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the development of 100 MW distributed solar photovoltaic plants in Gilgit-Baltistan. The committee also approved the construction of two road projects, the remodeling of the Lasbela Canal, and a water supply scheme for Gwadar in Balochistan.

Further projects include the Punjab Urban Land Systems Enhancement Project, the construction and upgradation of the Dirgi-Shah-Bozai to Taunsa Sharif Road, the establishment of the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Hospital in Tarlai, Islamabad, and a purpose-built laboratory for the National Forensic Agency.

During the session, Deputy Prime Minister Dar emphasized the necessity of completing these projects within their designated timelines and preventing cost overruns. He directed the relevant authorities to uphold financial discipline and eliminate bureaucratic obstacles, underscoring that the development efforts should primarily benefit public welfare.