04/07/2025
A meeting to review progress on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects was held in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal. The session brought together key stakeholders to assess ongoing developments across sectors including infrastructure, power, petroleum, water resources, food and agriculture, and Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
The forum noted that the JCC session is likely to be held in the near future. *To this end, the Minister directed conveners of all Joint Working Groups (JWGs) to hold their internal meetings during July 2025. He also encouraged JWGs to develop clear, actionable proposals regarding the potential extension of CPEC to Afghanistan and to share them with the CPEC Secretariat.
The meeting reviewed developments related to power supply for CPEC SEZs. The Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting industrial growth through reliable energy provision and highlighted the importance of resolving outstanding issues on a priority basis. *He underscored the need for a coordinated strategy to expedite infrastructure development and ensure smooth power connectivity for zones like Rashakai.*
Regarding Gwadar’s 1.2 MGD desalination plant, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Gwadar Port Authority were requested to *submit a comprehensive operational plan outlining key components such as water tariff structure, supply area mapping, and defined operational responsibilities.* The Minister also proposed organizing an inauguration ceremony to mark the operationalization of the plant, reinforcing the government’s focus on improving basic services like water and electricity in Gwadar.