CDWP Refers Rs37.13 Billion Pakistan Space Centre Project to ECNEC

The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has referred the Rs37.13 billion Pakistan Space Centre (PSC) project to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final approval. The project, sponsored by the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), is expected to strengthen the country’s space technology capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign facilities.

The decision was taken during a CDWP meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, who also serves as Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission.

During the meeting, the CDWP reviewed several development projects across higher education, information technology, and physical planning and housing sectors. The CDWP considered seven development projects. It approved four projects worth Rs12.437 billion and referred three major projects, with a combined cost of Rs240.537 billion, to ECNEC for further consideration.

CDWP Refers Rs37.13 Billion Pakistan Space Centre Project to ECNEC

The proposed Pakistan Space Centre is a major initiative under the National Space Program (NSP)-2047. The project aims to establish Pakistan’s indigenous capability to design, assemble, integrate, test, and qualify satellites within the country. Once completed, the facility will reduce dependence on foreign infrastructure while supporting the cost-effective development of satellites for strategic, scientific, and socio-economic purposes.

Speaking during the meeting, Ahsan Iqbal said the Pakistan Space Centre would play an important role in strengthening the country’s self-reliance in space technology and supporting future national space missions.

Besides the space project, the CDWP approved four projects in the higher education sector. These included the revised Strengthening of the Women University of AJ&K Bagh project, which received in-principle approval after the minister directed a committee to rationalize its cost. He also instructed the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to prepare a comprehensive master plan, appoint qualified project directors, and ensure that only pre-qualified contractors undertake construction work.

The forum also approved the Provision of Academic Facilities at Emerson University, Multan, subject to cost rationalization. Another approved project was the Establishment of Hyderabad Institute for Technology and Management Sciences, where the minister directed HEC to increase student transport facilities through internal adjustments while removing the proposed endowment fund from the revised project document.

The CDWP also approved the revised Strengthening of KBCMA CVAS project after reducing its cost from Rs5.494 billion to Rs4.283 billion.

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Among the projects referred to ECNEC was the Rs31.59 billion Lahore Water and Waste Water Management Project, which includes a new surface water treatment plant, water pipelines, storage facilities, pumping stations, a SCADA monitoring system, and a 5MW solar power system. The Planning Commission directed the Punjab government to ensure annual funding through its development budget.

Another major project referred to ECNEC was the Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme (K-IV) Phase-I, valued at Rs171.81 billion. The project includes water intake facilities, pumping stations, transmission pipelines, filtration plants, storage reservoirs, and supporting infrastructure to improve Karachi’s water supply.

Ahsan Iqbal described the Karachi water project as a vital public service initiative, saying it would provide safe drinking water, improve public health, and reduce dependence on expensive private water tankers. He directed the Sindh government to submit a detailed implementation plan, including timelines for power supply and other critical components, to ensure the project’s timely completion.