ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal chaired a review meeting on major Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) projects in the railways, highways and water sectors.
He directed the concerned ministries to focus on timely completion, good quality work and realistic financial planning for the next three years to ensure delivery of key national infrastructure projects.
According to an official statement, the meeting reviewed major transport and water sector projects under PSDP 2025-26. Member Infrastructure Dr Waqas Anwer gave a detailed briefing on the progress, scope and funding needs of priority projects. Senior officials from the Ministry of Railways, National Highway Authority (NHA) and Ministry of Water Resources attended the meeting.
While reviewing railway projects, the minister was informed about the status of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) project, especially the Karachi–Rohri section. Groundwork for this section is expected to begin in July 2026. The project aims to improve logistics for energy supply and industrial growth.
The meeting also discussed the Thar Coal Railway Connectivity Project, which has an estimated cost of Rs53.7 billion. The project includes three packages: a new 105-kilometre single-track railway line from Thar coal mines to the new Chorr station, a nine-kilometre double-track line from Bin Qasim to Port Qasim, and the construction of coal unloading facilities at Port Qasim and Lakhra Power Plant station. The project is expected to be completed by June 2026.
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Ahsan Iqbal directed the Ministry of Railways to submit a clear estimate of funding needs for the next three years. He said there should be no compromise on speed and quality, as these projects are long-term national assets.
The meeting also reviewed the NHA’s portfolio under PSDP 2025-26, which includes 71 projects with a total cost of about Rs3,407 billion. The minister directed that the Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway be completed within three years and treated as a top priority.
He also instructed that work on Phase-II of the Karakoram Highway (KKH) be accelerated and completed by 2028 to prevent disruption due to the Diamer-Bhasha Dam reservoir.
Under the Public-Private Partnership framework, the minister declared the Sambrial–Kharian–Rawalpindi Motorway, M-8 in Balochistan, and the Mashkel–Panjgur–Chahgi road as high-priority projects and called for faster implementation.
He asked the NHA to prepare a complete list of critical projects and submit funding requirements for the next three years to ensure smooth progress. Stressing accountability, Ahsan Iqbal directed the NHA to introduce a strong monitoring system and submit progress reports every two weeks to identify and resolve issues early.
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The meeting also reviewed major water sector projects under PSDP 2025-26, which include 34 projects with a total approved cost of Rs1,848 billion.
These include the Dasu Hydropower Project, Diamer-Bhasha Dam, Mohmand Dam Hydropower Project, Chashma Right Bank Canal, Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project, and the K-IV water supply project for Karachi.
The planning minister directed the Ministry of Water Resources to submit a detailed report on minimum annual funding needs for each major project and projected financial requirements for the next three years. He stressed that planning must match execution capacity to avoid delays and cost increases.
Ahsan Iqbal said the Mohmand Dam should be treated as a priority project due to its importance for water storage, flood control, irrigation and power generation. He said water security is vital for Pakistan’s economic stability and climate resilience.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to infrastructure-led development, saying that coordinated planning, financial discipline and strong institutions are essential to turn these investments into economic growth, better connectivity and an improved quality of life for the public.
