ISLAMABAD: The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved 27 development projects worth over Rs1.5 trillion. The meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, focused heavily on Sindh and Balochistan. Key sectors include roads, energy, health, education, and the environment.
Balochistan Gets Major Road Upgrades
ECNEC approved critical road projects across Balochistan. Three dangerous sections of the N-25—also known as the “killer road”—will be dualised at a cost of Rs415 billion. This includes the Karachi-Quetta-Chaman route, with major funds allocated this fiscal year.
Two more Balochistan routes received green lights:
- The Karoro Wadh and Khuzdar-Chaman sections at Rs133 billion
- The Khuzdar-Kuchlak section at Rs99 billion
These projects aim to improve safety and boost connectivity in one of Pakistan’s most neglected regions.
Flood and Power Projects for Balochistan
Balochistan’s Kachhi Plains will see a Rs17 billion flood management initiative. ECNEC also approved the 16MW Naltar Hydropower Project at Rs10.6 billion, which will benefit remote areas.
Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway and Sindh Projects
The long-delayed Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway (M-6) was finally cleared at Rs363 billion—more than double its original cost. This key PPP-backed project may be built by Chinese firms with help from the Islamic Development Bank. Other Sindh-focused projects worth Rs86 billion were also approved, highlighting political coordination between the PPP and PML-N.
Urban and Environmental Projects Across Provinces
The Green Pakistan Programme was expanded to Rs122 billion, covering forest restoration and biodiversity. Punjab and KP will receive the largest share. ECNEC also cleared over Rs62 billion for education projects, including Punjab’s laptop scheme.
Punjab secured funding for urban upgrades too:
- Rs49 billion for Lahore’s sewerage system
- Rs12 billion for a new access corridor
- Roads linking Sargodha, Mianwali, and Gujranwala to national highways
Sindh’s coastal and Mehran highways also received over Rs78 billion.
Reconstruction and Recovery Projects
The National Highway N-5 will be rebuilt under a Rs165 billion recovery plan, with 85% funded by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Other approvals include:
- Jhaljao-Bela Road rehabilitation
- Rohri-Guddu Barrage road upgrade
- Pakistan Raises Revenue Programme
Concerns Over Speed and IMF Compliance
Despite the development benefits, the rapid approvals have raised concerns over fiscal transparency and compliance with IMF’s National Fiscal Pact. Many projects involve federal cost-sharing, which may violate fiscal conditions.
Bottom Line: Balochistan Receives Rare Focus
With over Rs660 billion in road and flood protection projects, Balochistan emerged as a key beneficiary of the approvals—marking a rare and strategic push for development in the province.
