Ahsan reviews progress on Kachhi Canal Phase-II, PIDE land, Iqbal Memorial projects

ISLAMABAD, Sep 3 (APP):Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday reviewed progress on various development projects including the Kachhi Canal Phase-II, provision of land to the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), and the Allama Iqbal Memorial and Iqbal Library.

The meeting also examined delays in the completion of the 35-kilometre road connecting Loralai and Zhob and considered measures to ensure its timely completion in line with the directives of the Prime Minister, a news release said.

Discussing the Kachhi Canal Phase-II project, Ahsan Iqbal stressed that the scheme must meet the highest standards of construction quality and directed the authorities to ensure strict compliance at every stage.

He further directed that the Government of Balochistan be taken on board on all available options to ensure effective, transparent and coordinated implementation of the project.

While reviewing the issue of land for PIDE, the 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, but had not been provided the required land despite the passage of six years.

Ahsan said PIDE had been pursuing the matter with the CDA since 2022, but no viable progress had been made.

He observed that land allocated to the institution had frequently been found to be encumbered by legal or ownership issues.

He made it clear that PIDE required the land on an urgent basis and, if suitable land was not available with the CDA, its funds should be returned.

The minister directed the CDA to provide an immediate and clear response, saying either the required land should be provided to PIDE or its Rs. 4 billion refunded.

He questioned how ordinary citizens could expect fair treatment if a public institution itself faced prolonged delays in resolving legitimate issues, stressing that the matter could no longer be allowed to remain pending.

Reviewing the Allama Iqbal Memorial and Iqbal Library project, Ahsan Iqbal directed that the library 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.