Islamabad: Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Establishment Division Senator Ahad Cheema has directed authorities to create a structured investment mechanism for Overseas Pakistanis to invest in national infrastructure projects. He also urged the fast-tracking of bankable projects under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework.

According to Press Information Department, the Minister made these remarks during a high-level meeting to review Pakistan’s PPP project pipeline, which includes potential ventures in railways, highways, power, civic infrastructure, and airports. He emphasized the need for a transparent and commercially attractive investment platform for Overseas Pakistanis, which would provide safeguards and defined returns. The mechanism aims to channel overseas savings into productive national assets, offering an additional source of financing for infrastructure needs.

Furthermore, Senator Cheema prioritized financing for the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project through multilateral and development partners, retaining PPP options as a secondary strategy. The Lahore-Rawalpindi section of ML-1 is set for a feasibility assessment under the PPP model. The meeting also addressed the Kharian-Rawalpindi Motorway project, with directives for prompt technical and preparatory work.

In the power sector, the Minister supported the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project under the PPP framework to enhance power distribution companies’ operational and commercial profiles. Additionally, projects proposed by the Capital Development Authority, including the Gandhara Culture project and Capital Hospital expansion, were identified as potential PPP candidates.

The meeting, attended by key government advisors and officials, concluded with a directive for regular reviews of the PPP project pipeline. Senator Cheema emphasized that PPPs should effectively mobilize private capital for national development, particularly in sectors where innovative financing can complement limited public resources.