Key Takeaways
- Pakistan has approved Rs. 37.19 billion for the PakSat-2 satellite project.
- The project is part of the government’s Uraan Pakistan agenda to develop the country’s space program.
- The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) recommended the project to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).
Pakistan has taken a significant step towards enhancing its space capabilities by approving Rs. 37.19 billion for the PakSat-2 satellite project. This decision was made after the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) recommended the project to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).
The PakSat-2 project is part of the government’s broader Uraan Pakistan agenda, which aims to strengthen Pakistan’s technological and scientific advancements. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the importance of this project, stating that it is a crucial component of the development initiative.
In addition to the satellite project, the CDWP also approved a Rs. 3.62 billion project to establish a Geo-AI Development and Innovation Hub. This facility will focus on enhancing geospatial capabilities and promoting innovation in the sector.
The forum also approved a revised plan for establishing the Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad Khan Center in Basic Sciences. Initially approved in 2018, the project faced delays due to land-related issues. The Planning Minister directed officials to revise the center’s scope to cover emerging areas and bring its cost in line with current requirements.
Further, the government has set a target of developing one million acres of olive plantations under a Rs. 5.01 billion project for commercial-scale olive cultivation. This initiative aims to expand olive plantations in Balochistan and the newly merged districts, with the Potohar region also being assessed for its potential.
The CDWP approved a Rs. 338.2 million project to upgrade the high-frequency radio network used by WAPDA’s Water Resources Management Directorate. This upgrade is expected to enhance communication and coordination within the department.
Of the seven projects considered, five worth Rs. 21.59 billion were approved by the CDWP, while two projects with a combined cost of Rs. 94.3 billion, including PakSat-2, were forwarded to ECNEC for further consideration.
The Planning Minister emphasized the need for universities to contribute more towards innovation and turning research into commercial applications. He directed the Higher Education Commission to identify universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Balochistan where similar centers could be established.
The approval of these projects marks a significant investment in Pakistan’s technological and scientific infrastructure, aiming to boost the country’s capabilities in space and geospatial technology.
