A meeting chaired by Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal in Islamabad has reviewed progress on various development projects.
The meeting held a detailed discussion on the Kachhi Canal Phase-II project. Matters relating to the land required for the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), the Allama Iqbal Memorial and Iqbal Library project were also reviewed.
The meeting further examined delays in the completion of the 35-kilometre road project connecting Loralai and Zhob, and considered measures to ensure its timely completion in line with the Prime Minister’s directives.
Discussing the Kachhi Canal project, Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that the project must meet the highest standards of construction quality and directed the concerned authorities to ensure strict adherence to these standards at every stage.
He directed that the Government of Balochistan be taken on board on all available options to ensure that the project moves forward in an effective, transparent and coordinated manner.
Reviewing the issue of land for PIDE, Ahsan Iqbal expressed serious concern over the delay by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) in providing land to the institution. He directed the CDA to provide an immediate and clear response, stating that either the required land should be provided to PIDE or four billion rupees should be refunded.
As regards Allama Iqbal Memorial and Iqbal Library project, Ahsan Iqbal said the library should be developed to international standards and serve as a role model for other cities. He noted that the coming year would be observed as the Year of Allama Iqbal and directed that work on the project be initiated without further delay. He also directed the CDA to move the summary regarding the library within three days.
