The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), meeting under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Saturday, approved several development projects worth billions of rupees, including the Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project.

The meeting considered a comprehensive agenda, featuring the construction of the Khawazakhela-Besham Expressway, electricity distribution efficiency improvement projects for LESCO, HESCO, and PESCO, the Southern Punjab Poverty Alleviation Project, and the Fulbright Scholarship Support Programme, alongside various water, connectivity, and infrastructure initiatives.

The Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project was submitted for consideration at an adjusted cost, which includes a foreign exchange component (FEC). The Ministry of Water Resources was directed to submit a separate PC-1 for a pilot project involving floating solar panels in the Tarbela Reservoir after completing a proper feasibility study.

Meanwhile, the Fulbright Scholarship Support Programme was approved at a cost of Rs10.566 billion. Implemented by the Executive Director of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) with support from HEC statutory bodies and the Project Management Unit, the revised PC-1 maintains the original target of 125 PhD scholarships under Phase III while updating cost estimates to reflect current exchange rates and inflation.