CDWP okays 10 projects worth Rs114.5bn.

The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) cleared a total of 10 projects with a combined value of Rs 114.5 billion.

The CDWP under the esteemed chairmanship of Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal was convened on Thursday to review and approve vital development projects.

These projects spanned across various sectors, including energy, governance, health, higher education commission, transport, and communication.

Out of the 10 projects, three have been recommended to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) with a total cost of Rs 96 billion approximately. Furthermore, the CDWP approved Seven projects worth Rs 18.5 billion during the session.

The meeting was attended by high-ranking officials, including the Secretary of the Planning Ministry, Chief Economist, Members of the Planning Commission, and representatives from various ministries and divisions. Their presence ensured comprehensive deliberations and informed decision-making.

One of the notable projects recommended to ECNEC is the 'Evacuation of Power from 800 MW Mohmand Dam Hydro Power Plant to the National Grid.' With an estimated cost of Rs 13,822 million, the project aims to construct 220 kV double circuit transmission lines, enabling the dispersion of power from the under-construction 800 MW Mohmand Dam Hydro Power Plant, located at the Swat River in the merged district of Mohmand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The project is proposed to be financed through the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and is approved subject to the rationalization of the cost.

Another significant project, the 'Sindh Solar Energy Project (SSEP) (Revised),' with a total cost of Rs 22,005.637 million, has been principally recommended to ECNEC, subject to fulfilling observations from the CDWP forum.

This project, financed through a soft loan from the World Bank, aims to support the scale-up of solar power in Sindh Province, improve energy security, increase access to electricity, and fulfill Pakistan's international commitments on climate change.

During the CDWP meeting, another crucial project titled 'Cyber Security For Digital Pakistan (Phase - 1) Revised' was approved. The project, with a total cost of Rs 1,798.840 million, aims to strengthen cyber security measures in the country as Pakistan embraces the digital era.

Among the projects approved by the CDWP, the 'Technical Support Unit-PIDSA (Revised)' project stands out, with a total cost of Rs...