By Ayesha Saba

Development projects approved and recommended during August 2026 are expected to generate 23,656 employment opportunities across Pakistan. Major infrastructure schemes account for the largest share of projected jobs as the government directs public investment towards water, education, health, technology and transport.

The projected employment includes 4,538 direct and 19,118 indirect jobs, according to the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives' Monthly Development Update – September 2026, available with Wealth Pakistan.

Job creation is driven by a development portfolio covering water supply, physical infrastructure, higher education, health, information technology and transport.

The ministry said infrastructure schemes, particularly the Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme (K-IV), account for the largest share of projected employment because large projects require substantial construction, engineering and ancillary workforces.

K-IV is also the largest individual development project considered by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) during August. The second revised Phase-I of the scheme, designed to provide 260 million gallons per day, carries a total cost of Rs171.81 billion and was recommended to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).

The water infrastructure portfolio also includes the Rs31.59 billion Lahore Water Supply Project, involving construction of a surface water treatment plant at the BRBD Canal, and a Rs23.82 billion scheme to supply water to Gwadar from Mirani Dam. Both were recommended to ECNEC.

Together, three physical planning and housing projects costing Rs227.2 billion were recommended to ECNEC to improve water supply and wastewater management through modern treatment and distribution infrastructure in Karachi, Lahore and Gwadar. The ministry expects these schemes to improve access to safe, reliable and sustainable water services.

Investment in education also formed an important part of the August development portfolio.

The CDWP approved four higher education projects worth Rs13.6 billion aimed at strengthening academic infrastructure, improving teaching and research facilities and developing skilled human resources in technology, management and veterinary sciences.

These include the revised Rs2.55 billion Strengthening of Women University of AJK Bagh project, provision of academic facilities at Emerson University Multan costing Rs1.04 billion, the revised Rs4.56 billion establishment of Hyderabad Institute for Technology and Management Sciences, and the Rs5.49 billion strengthening of KBCMA College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences.

In the health sector, the CDWP approved the revised Rs4.92 billion Medical and Nursing College at Gilgit. The project is intended to establish modern medical and nursing education facilities, improve access to quality healthcare education and develop skilled healthcare professionals to meet the region's growing requirements.

Technology-related investment also forms part of the development programme. The revised Pakistan Space Center, sponsored by SUPARCO at a cost of Rs37.13 billion, was recommended to ECNEC.

According to the ministry, the project is intended to establish a state-of-the-art space centre and strengthen Pakistan's capabilities in space science, technology and research, while supporting innovation, skills development and growth of the country's space sector.

In transport and communications, a Rs4.04 billion project for construction of a 53.4-kilometre road from Zera to Daboori in Orakzai district was approved. The ministry said transport projects considered during August are intended to improve road connectivity and urban infrastructure, enhance mobility and accessibility, and support socioeconomic development in targeted areas.

Overall, two CDWP meetings held during August considered 19 agenda items, including 14 projects. Seven projects worth Rs25.4 billion were approved, while five projects costing Rs283.9 billion were recommended to ECNEC.

The development programme is being implemented within the Rs1 trillion federal PSDP for FY2026-27, including Rs255 billion in foreign-loan rupee cover. The government says resources are being prioritised for fast-moving, high-impact ongoing projects amid fiscal constraints.

The ministry describes development spending as an important driver of economic activity because investment in strategic infrastructure and public services can strengthen productive capacity while creating direct employment during implementation and indirect opportunities through associated economic activity.

Credit: INP-WealthPk