The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has given the green light to four major development projects valued at over Rs240 billion, aiming to strengthen infrastructure, enhance skill development, and increase energy capacity across Pakistan. The approvals were granted during an ECNEC meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, according to reports from APP.
The approved projects include the expansion of the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology – National Institute of Heart Diseases (AFIC-NIHD) hospital in Rawalpindi, the Prime Minister’s Youth Skill Development Programme, the Karachi Yellow Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Corridor, and the 34.5 MW Harpo Hydropower Project in Gilgit-Baltistan. These initiatives are expected to significantly enhance healthcare services, create employment opportunities, strengthen urban transport infrastructure, and expand renewable energy generation in the country.
The ECNEC session was attended by senior federal and provincial officials, including the Finance Minister, Planning Minister, Sindh’s Planning Minister, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa. Secretaries from Planning, Defense, and Water Resources ministries, along with representatives from the Economic Affairs Division, Finance Ministry, National Vocational & Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), and other relevant departments, were also present.
The AFIC-NIHD hospital expansion project in Rawalpindi is designed to improve cardiac healthcare services, provide advanced medical facilities, and cater to the growing healthcare needs of the region. The Prime Minister’s Youth Skill Development Programme aims to equip the youth with market-oriented skills, enhancing employability and promoting entrepreneurship across the country.
Meanwhile, the Karachi Yellow Line BRT Corridor is expected to transform urban transport in the city by providing efficient, safe, and affordable public transit, reducing congestion and improving mobility for commuters. The Harpo Hydropower Project in Gilgit-Baltistan will add 34.5 MW of renewable energy to the national grid, contributing to Pakistan’s energy security and clean energy targets.
These ECNEC-approved projects represent a strategic push in Pakistan’s socio-economic development agenda, focusing on sustainable growth, job creation, and improved quality of life. The coordinated engagement of federal and provincial stakeholders in planning and execution underscores the government’s commitment to prioritizing infrastructure, human capital development, and energy sector expansion to drive long-term national development.
Follow the PakBanker Whatsapp Channel for updates across Pakistan’s banking ecosystem.