Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal chaired an important meeting to review progress on various development projects and matters of public importance.
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, Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that the project must adhere to the highest standards of construction quality and directed the concerned authorities to ensure strict compliance 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.
While reviewing the issue of land for PIDE, the Federal Minister expressed serious concern over the delay by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) in providing land to the institution. He noted that PIDE had deposited approximately Rs. 4 billion with the CDA between 2017 and 2020, yet the institution had not been provided the required land despite the passage of six years.
Ahsan Iqbal said that PIDE had been continuously pursuing the matter with the CDA since 2022, but no viable progress had been made so far. He observed that land allocated to PIDE had frequently been found to be encumbered by legal or ownership issues. He made it clear that PIDE requires land on an urgent basis and, if suitable land is not available with the CDA, the institution’s funds should be returned.
The Federal Minister directed the CDA to provide an immediate and clear response, stating that either the required land should be provided to PIDE or its Rs. 4 billion should be refunded. He questioned how ordinary citizens could expect fair treatment if a public institution itself faced such prolonged delays in resolving its legitimate issues. He emphasized that the matter could no longer be allowed to remain pending.
Reviewing the 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 concerning the library within three days.
The Federal Minister directed all concerned authorities to accelerate progress on the projects and matters discussed during the meeting and ensure implementation of the Prime Minister’s directives within the stipulated timelines
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