Pakistan Moves Forward With Rs. 37.19 Billion PakSat-2 Satellite Project
Pakistan has taken another step toward the development of its Rs. 37.19 billion PakSat-2 satellite project, as the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) recommended the scheme for consideration by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).
The project was among seven development schemes reviewed by the CDWP under the government’s Uraan Pakistan development agenda.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said strengthening Pakistan’s space programme is an important component of the country’s broader development efforts.
Rs. 3.62 Billion Geo-AI Hub Approved
The CDWP also approved a Rs. 3.62 billion Geo-AI Development and Innovation Hub.
The proposed facility will focus on improving Pakistan’s geospatial capabilities while supporting technological development and innovation in the sector.
The initiative is expected to provide a platform for strengthening expertise and encouraging new applications in geospatial technologies.
Revised Plan for Basic Sciences Centre
The forum also approved a revised proposal for establishing the Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad Khan Center in Basic Sciences.
The project was originally approved in 2018 but remained incomplete because of land-related issues.
Ahsan Iqbal directed officials to update the scope of the centre by including emerging areas of science and ensuring that its estimated cost reflects current requirements.
The minister noted that eight years had passed since the project was initially approved.
Universities Asked to Strengthen Research
The Planning Minister also instructed the Higher Education Commission to identify universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Balochistan where similar basic sciences centres could potentially be established.
He further called for laboratories at five engineering universities to be upgraded.
The minister stressed the need for universities to play a stronger role in research, innovation and converting academic discoveries into commercially useful applications.
Rs. 5.01 Billion Olive Plantation Project
The CDWP separately approved a Rs. 5.01 billion project for commercial-scale olive cultivation.
The programme will focus on expanding olive plantations in Balochistan and the newly merged districts, while the Potohar region will also be evaluated for its suitability for olive production.
Under the initiative, the government has set a target of developing one million acres of olive plantations.
WAPDA Radio Network to Be Upgraded
Another project approved by the forum involves the modernisation of the high-frequency radio network used by WAPDA’s Water Resources Management Directorate.
The project has been allocated Rs. 338.2 million and is aimed at upgrading the existing communication network.
Seven Development Projects Reviewed
The CDWP reviewed a total of seven development schemes during the meeting.
Five projects with a combined estimated cost of Rs. 21.59 billion were approved directly by the CDWP.
Meanwhile, two schemes with a combined cost of Rs. 94.3 billion, including the PakSat-2 project, were forwarded to ECNEC for further consideration.
The latest decisions cover key areas including space technology, artificial intelligence, higher education, agriculture and communication infrastructure.
