The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Tuesday gave approval to several infrastructure projects pertaining to power, health and education sectors. The meeting, which was held at the Prime Minister’s Office, approved 220kV Mastung sub-station along with 220kV Sibi-Mastung-Quetta-Loralai Double Circuit Transmission Lines with a total outlay of Rs 14,155.31 million. The meeting approved phase-II of Sindh Barrages Improvement Project at a cost of Rs 16,6625 million. The project involves rehabilitation and modernization of Sukkar Barrage. The meeting also gave approval to 4th Revised PC-1 of Neelum Jhelum Hydroelectric Project at an updated cost of Rs 506.808 billion. The meeting approved modification of PC-II for purchase of land for Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) in H-11/2, Islamabad at a cost of Rs. 3,519.47 million. The meeting also approved phase-III of Overseas Scholarship Scheme for 2,000 PhD scholars in selected fields at a cost of Rs 22,214.578 million. Published in Daily Times, May 23rd 2018.