Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, chaired a high-level review meeting on Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) projects in the railways, highways, and water sectors. He instructed relevant ministries to prioritise timely execution, strict quality control, and realistic financial planning over the next three years, according to The News.
The meeting reviewed major transport and water sector initiatives under PSDP 2025–26. Member Infrastructure Dr Waqas Anwer briefed participants on project progress, scope, and funding needs. Senior officials from the Ministry of Railways, the National Highway Authority, and the Ministry of Water Resources attended the session.
Railways Sector Review
Officials updated the minister on the Main Line-1 (ML-1) project, particularly the Karachi–Rohri section. Authorities expect to begin groundwork in July 2026. The meeting also reviewed the upgradation of 884 kilometres of Main Line-3 (ML-3) and progress on the Thar Coal Railway Connectivity Project.
The Thar project, costing Rs53.7 billion, includes three components. These cover a new single-track railway from the Thar coal mines to Chorr, a double-track line from Bin Qasim to Port Qasim, and coal unloading facilities at Port Qasim and Lakhra. Authorities expect completion by June 2026.
Iqbal directed the Ministry of Railways to submit a clear three-year funding plan. He stressed that speed and quality must remain non-negotiable for strategic national assets.
Highway Projects and Motorways
The minister reviewed 71 National Highway Authority projects with a combined cost of Rs3,407 billion. He declared the Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway a top priority and set a three-year completion target.
He also ordered accelerated progress on the Karakoram Highway Phase-II, directing completion by 2028 to prevent disruptions from the Diamer-Bhasha Dam reservoir.
Under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework, Iqbal prioritised the Sambrial–Kharian–Rawalpindi Motorway, M-8 in Balochistan, and the Mashkel–Panjgur–Chahgi Road. He asked the NHA to present a consolidated funding roadmap for the next three years.
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To strengthen accountability, the minister instructed the NHA to submit fortnightly progress reports. He emphasised early identification and resolution of project bottlenecks.
Water Sector Priorities
The meeting also reviewed 34 water sector projects under PSDP 2025–26, with a total cost of Rs1,848 billion. Key projects included the Dasu Hydropower Project, Diamer-Bhasha Dam, Mohmand Dam, Tarbela 5th Extension, Chashma Right Bank Canal, and Karachi’s K-IV water supply project.
Iqbal asked the Ministry of Water Resources to submit project-wise minimum annual funding requirements and three-year projections. He stressed that planning must match execution capacity to avoid delays and cost overruns.
He designated the Mohmand Dam a priority for its role in water storage, flood control, irrigation, and power generation. “Water security underpins Pakistan’s economic stability and climate resilience,” he said.
The planning minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to infrastructure-driven growth. He said that integrated planning, fiscal discipline, and strong coordination among institutions remain essential to translate these investments into economic growth, regional connectivity, and a better quality of life for citizens.
