Rs123bn Development Projects Approved to Boost Health, Agriculture, and Infrastructure

Pakistan has approved Rs123bn development projects to strengthen public services and infrastructure. The decision came during a meeting of the Central Development Working Party (CDWP). These projects aim to improve healthcare, education, agriculture, and governance systems. As a result, several regions will see new investments and upgrades.
The meeting reviewed a major education project in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Officials approved the establishment of a Daanish Schools campus in Kashmir (Haveli-Kahuta).
The project carries an estimated cost of Rs4.688 billion. However, planners will adjust the budget using earlier approved cost estimates of about Rs3.9 billion.
In addition, authorities approved a youth support programme. The initiative will help students with physical challenges in higher education institutions. For example, the scheme will provide electric wheelchairs, laptops for blind students, and audio visual learning aids. The programme will operate through the Higher Education Commission.

Healthcare and Governance Improvements

Health services will also receive a major boost. Officials recommended the upgradation of the District Headquarters Hospital in Hafizabad for approval by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec). The project carries a cost of Rs7.93 billion. Once completed, the upgrade will expand services and improve patient care.
Another healthcare initiative, the National Health Support Programme for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, received approval worth Rs1.335 billion. This programme aims to strengthen health systems across the province.
Meanwhile, authorities approved a land record management system in rural areas of Islamabad. The Rs185 million project will digitize land records and improve transparency.

Infrastructure and Institutional Development

The physical planning sector also gained new investments. One project involves the construction of an administrative block for the Supreme Court Branch Registry in Quetta.
In addition, the government approved a new campus for the Pakistan Audit and Accounts Academy in Islamabad. The academy will train professionals in public finance and accountability.

Agriculture and Water Management

Agriculture development formed a key part of the Rs123bn development projects package. Authorities approved the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Irrigated Agriculture Improvement Project with an estimated cost of Rs50.956 billion.
The World Bank will finance around 80 percent of the project. Farmers will contribute the remaining 20 percent. The programme will rehabilitate more than 14,000 community watercourses. It will also introduce drip and sprinkler irrigation systems on thousands of acres. Furthermore, officials will build 5,000 water storage tanks and provide 500 laser land levelling units. Training programmes will also help local water user groups adopt modern farming methods. As a result, the project aims to improve water efficiency and promote climate smart agriculture across the province.