Pakistan has moved forward with plans to establish an indigenous satellite development facility.
The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has referred the Rs37.13 billion Pakistan Space Centre (PSC) project to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for final approval.
Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) is sponsoring the project. The centre aims to strengthen Pakistan’s space technology capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign facilities.
CDWP Reviews Major Development Projects
The decision came during a CDWP meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal.
The forum reviewed seven development projects in higher education, information technology, and physical planning.
It approved four projects worth Rs12.437 billion.
Meanwhile, the CDWP referred three projects worth a combined Rs240.537 billion to ECNEC.
Pakistan Space Centre to Build Satellites
The proposed Pakistan Space Centre forms part of the National Space Program (NSP)-2047.
The facility will allow Pakistan to design, assemble, integrate, test, and qualify satellites locally.
As a result, the project could reduce Pakistan’s dependence on overseas infrastructure.
It will also support the development of satellites for strategic, scientific, and socio-economic applications.
Ahsan Iqbal said the centre would strengthen Pakistan’s self-reliance in space technology.
He added that the facility would support future national space missions.
Higher Education Projects Approved
The CDWP also approved four projects in the higher education sector.
One project will strengthen the Women University of AJ&K Bagh. The minister directed officials to rationalize its cost.
He also asked the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to prepare a comprehensive master plan.
The HEC must also appoint qualified project directors and ensure that construction work goes only to pre-qualified contractors.
Another approved project will provide academic facilities at Emerson University, Multan.
The forum also approved the establishment of the Hyderabad Institute for Technology and Management Sciences.
Furthermore, the minister directed the HEC to improve student transport facilities through internal adjustments.
The revised project will also remove the proposed endowment fund.
KBCMA CVAS Project Gets Cost Reduction
The CDWP approved the revised Strengthening of KBCMA CVAS project.
Officials reduced its cost from Rs5.494 billion to Rs4.283 billion.
The reduction followed a review of the project’s financial requirements.
Major Water Projects Sent to ECNEC
The CDWP also referred several major water projects to ECNEC.
One of them is the Rs31.59 billion Lahore Water and Waste Water Management Project.
The project includes a surface water treatment plant, pipelines, storage facilities, and pumping stations.
It will also feature a SCADA monitoring system and a 5MW solar power system.
The Planning Commission directed the Punjab government to ensure annual funding through its development budget.
K-IV Project Targets Karachi Water Needs
Another major project is the Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme (K-IV) Phase-I, valued at Rs171.81 billion.
The project includes water intake facilities, pumping stations, transmission pipelines, filtration plants, and storage reservoirs.
These facilities aim to improve Karachi’s water supply and strengthen supporting infrastructure.
Ahsan Iqbal described the project as a vital public service initiative.
He said K-IV would improve access to safe drinking water and support public health.
Moreover, it could reduce Karachi’s dependence on expensive private water tankers.
The minister directed the Sindh government to submit a detailed implementation plan.
The plan must include timelines for power supply and other critical components.
Pakistan Expands Indigenous Space Capabilities
The Pakistan Space Centre remains the most prominent project reviewed during the meeting.
If approved by ECNEC, the Rs37.13 billion initiative could mark a major step toward building Pakistan’s domestic satellite development capacity.
The project also aligns with the country’s long-term space ambitions under NSP-2047.
Therefore, the proposed centre could help Pakistan develop greater technical expertise while supporting future scientific and national development missions.
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