ISLAMABAD, Nov 16 (Wealth Pakistan): Pakistan has approved a new set of Rs259bn development projects during October 2025, expected to create nearly 100,000 jobs, according to the Monthly Development Update.
Wide Range of Rs259bn Development Projects Reviewed
The report notes that 29 agenda items were reviewed during the month. These included 24 development projects and five concept clearance papers.
Out of these, 12 development projects and five concept papers were approved. Six projects were referred to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council for final approval.
Meanwhile, six schemes were deferred for more technical review. The total portfolio presented in October amounted to Rs259 billion with major allocations for agriculture, health, power, housing, governance, social welfare and transport.
Agriculture and Food Security Gains Priority
Two large agriculture projects worth Rs116.5 billion were recommended to ECNEC. These schemes aim to improve access to agricultural water, enhance productivity and support higher farm incomes.
Another Rs7.35 billion project was approved to strengthen the animal health system. It will focus on surveillance, disease control and traceability to meet international standards.
According to the Planning Ministry, these investments are important for food security and climate-resilient farming.
Governance and Public Sector Reforms
The CDWP approved a Rs3.08 billion governance project to digitize public investment management. The initiative will also improve procurement, financial management and planning systems.
The ministry states that the project will support data-driven decision-making and increase transparency in public institutions.
Health Projects to Improve Service Delivery
Three health-related schemes worth Rs9.96 billion were approved. They aim to improve emergency care, strengthen diabetes management and expand access to insulin in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The report notes that these projects will help reduce the disease burden and improve health services for vulnerable groups.
Support for Higher Education and Research
A Rs1.47 billion project was approved for veterinary and animal sciences education. It will upgrade research facilities and improve linkages between agricultural value chains and academic institutions.
According to the update, the scheme will help strengthen the livestock sector through better training and research.
Housing and Urban Planning Initiatives
The physical planning and housing portfolio included two major schemes. One of them, a Rs52.19 billion wastewater treatment project, was recommended to ECNEC.
The initiative aims to reduce groundwater pollution, improve water quality downstream of Lahore and restore aquatic ecosystems.
The second project was deferred for additional review.
Clean Energy Projects for AJ&K
Three energy projects worth Rs16.02 billion were approved for Azad Jammu and Kashmir. They are designed to improve electricity supply, support clean energy and increase the use of indigenous hydropower resources.
Major Social Welfare Investment
A Rs64.40 billion social protection program was recommended to ECNEC. The project focuses on maternal, newborn and child health in rural Sindh.
It also aims to improve the coordination of provincial social protection systems and expand essential services for vulnerable households.
Transport and Communications Studies
Transport projects discussed during the month included feasibility studies for new Bus Rapid Transit corridors. Two studies were approved.
A third study, focused on upgrading an existing rail line to support speeds of up to 160 km per hour, was referred to ECNEC for further consideration.
Job Creation and Long-Term Growth
The Planning Ministry estimates that recent approvals will create 2,501 new posts in the short term. Nearly 95,500 direct and indirect jobs are expected over the next five to seven years.
The update states that these projects will support national priorities by expanding infrastructure, improving governance and strengthening public services.
Government Focus on Development Spending
The ministry notes that the October approvals reflect the government’s commitment to speeding up development spending and improving project delivery.
According to the report, the approved portfolio will help support Pakistan’s long-term growth and service delivery across key sectors.