ECNEC Approves 11 Development Projects in Energy, Infrastructure, Healthcare, Technology -

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, has approved 11 development projects across Pakistan covering energy generation, electricity transmission, roads, water supply, irrigation, healthcare, urban land management and forensic science.

The approved projects are intended to improve electricity availability, strengthen transport links, expand access to water and healthcare, modernize land administration and enhance the country’s forensic investigation capabilities.
Energy and Power Infrastructure.

Koto Hydropower Project — Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa The committee approved construction of the 40.8-megawatt Koto Hydropower Project. The project aims to increase domestic electricity generation through hydropower, a renewable energy source, and contribute to meeting electricity demand.

100 MW Distributed Solar Photovoltaic Plants — Gilgit-Baltistan The approved project will develop distributed solar photovoltaic plants with a combined capacity of 100 MW. Its objective is to expand renewable electricity generation and diversify the region’s energy supply. The distributed approach could also support electricity access in areas where conventional grid infrastructure is challenging.

Reactive Power Compensation Devices — National Grid Company Network ECNEC approved the installation of reactive power compensation devices in the National Grid Company (NGC) network. Such equipment helps manage voltage levels and improve power-system performance, supporting grid stability and more efficient electricity transmission.

Water Supply and Irrigation Rehabilitation and Remodelling of Lasbela Canal — Balochistan The project will rehabilitate and remodel the existing canal system to improve irrigation and water management. Its intended benefits include more reliable water distribution for agricultural users and improved use of available water resources.
Water Supply Scheme for Gwadar from Mirani Dam — Balochistan
The project aims to provide Gwadar with a water supply from Mirani Dam, addressing the city’s need for a more reliable source of water. Its implementation is expected to support households, urban services and the city’s continuing development.

Roads and Regional Connectivity Buleda–Proom Road — Balochistan
The road project is intended to improve connectivity between Buleda and Proom, facilitating local travel, access to services and the movement of agricultural and commercial goods.

Proom–Chedgai Road — Balochistan
The project aims to improve road access between Proom and Chedgai, helping connect communities and supporting regional economic activity.

Dirgi–Shahbozai–Taunsa Sharif Road
The construction and upgradation of this road is intended to improve interregional connectivity, reduce travel difficulties and facilitate the movement of people and goods between the connected areas.

Urban Development and Land Administration Punjab Urban Land Systems Enhancement Project (PULSE)
The PULSE project aims to improve land administration and urban land-management systems in Punjab. Its broader objectives include modernizing land information, improving access to reliable land records and strengthening the use of digital and geospatial information for planning and land-related services.
Healthcare Infrastructure

King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Hospital — Tarlai, Islamabad
The proposed hospital will expand healthcare infrastructure in the federal capital. Its objective is to improve access to medical services and strengthen the capacity of the public healthcare system to serve Islamabad’s growing population.
Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation

Purpose-Built Laboratory for the National Forensic Agency
ECNEC also approved a dedicated laboratory for the National Forensic Agency. The facility is intended to strengthen forensic testing and scientific examination of evidence, supporting criminal investigations and the justice system through improved technical capabilities.

ECNEC Calls for Timely Completion and Financial Discipline
During the meeting, Dar stressed that development projects must be completed within their approved schedules and without cost overruns. He directed the relevant authorities to maintain financial discipline, remove procedural bottlenecks and ensure that public investment delivers tangible benefits.

The meeting was attended by the Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Punjab’s Senior Minister, Balochistan’s Minister for Planning and Development, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, the secretaries of Cabinet, Planning and Economic Affairs, the Chairman of the Capital Development Authority, and senior officials from provincial governments and relevant federal ministries and divisions.

The approvals cover a range of infrastructure and public-service priorities. Their eventual impact will depend on timely funding, procurement, implementation and effective monitoring. ECNEC approval represents an important administrative milestone, but does not itself mean that construction has begun or that the intended benefits have already been achieved. – ER Report

Appeared in print – ER October – II