In the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2023-24 unveiled last Friday, “revival of CPEC initiative” tops the salient features. Besides facilitating industrialization, trade and market access, the blue economy, regional connectivity, and third party participation, CPEC also focuses on poverty alleviation and socio-economic development in Pakistan.
In PSDP FY 2023-24, such projects are discussed in chapter 18 under the title of “China-Pakistan Economic Corridor”. The socio-economic development programs include the establishment of the China Pakistan Joint Agricultural Technology Laboratory by the Ministry of National Food Security & Research (NFS&R). The laboratories will be set up at Multan Faisalabad, Islamabad, and Quetta.
NFSR will provide agricultural equipment and tools to agriculturists and farmers across Pakistan. China-Pakistan Joint Agricultural Demonstrations is another proposed program that will be executed by NFS&R across the country.
Smart Classroom Project for Higher Education, an education program under the umbrella of CPEC, has already been initiated by HEC. During FY 2023-24, the program will be implemented in 50 universities across the country under PSDP.
The provision and maintenance/renovation of 50 schools in newly merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is another socio economic development program under PSDP.
Gwadar Hospital Project, Balochistan Solar Powered Lighting Equipment Project, and Gwadar Desalination Plant Project in Gwadar Free Zoe will also be implemented during FY 2023-24.
As per PSDP, several projects in Gwadar City are expected to achieve significant milestones in FY 2023-24. Pak China Friendship Hospital Gwadar project is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2023-24 along with the 1.2 MGD Desalination Plant and New Gwadar International Airport. The Gwadar Free Zone is a significant initiative for industrial development and transshipment businesses in the city.
Moreover, the 300 MW Gwadar Coal Power Plant, the construction of a breakwater, and the operational dredging of breathing areas and
channels are anticipated to be launched in FY 2023-24.
