National Assembly Committee Urges Ministry of Communications to Address Road Maintenance and Project Delays

Islamabad: Meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Communications was convened today at 01:00 pm in the Committee Room 02 of the Parliament House, Islamabad under the Chairmanship of Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, MNA.

During this introductory meeting, the Secretary of the Ministry of Communications provided a detailed briefing on the Ministry’s overall performance, ongoing projects, future initiatives, priority areas, major challenges, and potential remedies.

During the briefing, the Secretary detailed the Ministry’s achievements in recent years, noting significant improvements in key performance indicators across departments such as the National Highway Authority (NHA), the National Highway and Motorway Police, and Pakistan Post. The Ministry reported the successful implementation of several infrastructure projects, especially in highways and motorways.

The Minister informed that the Ministry plans to launch initiatives focused on increasing revenue without placing additional strain on the national exchequer. These new initiatives will be developed with input from all the stakeholders. He said that the Committee provides valuable insights in its pre-budget recommendations to help the Ministry enhance and effectively utilize funds.

In response, the Committee Members emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong focus on road maintenance, safety, rural connectivity, and the timely completion of projects. They urged the Ministry to tackle funding and bureaucratic challenges by exploring innovative solutions and enhancing collaboration with private sector stakeholders.

The Standing Committee on Communications received a briefing from the Secretary of the Ministry of Communications on the ongoing development of the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway project. The Minister emphasized the importance of the M-6, expressing confusion over its previous neglect and highlighting its significant economic value as it will connect key trade transit routes. He affirmed that the M-6 is a top priority for the Ministry in the upcoming Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and mentioned that efforts are being made to include it in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The Standing Committee voiced concerns about the selection process for new projects, noting that equal preference is not given to all provinces and questioning how the Planning Commission decides on projects without consulting the Ministry The Committee resolved to summon the Planning Commission, the Ministry, and other stakeholders for discussions. Additionally, members expressed dissatisfaction with the maintenance of roads, the slow pace of work by the National Highway Authority (NHA), and the substandard quality of completed projects. In response, the Chairman directed that special meetings be held to address each grievance raised by the Members individually.

The Standing Committee on Communications expressed its confidence in the Ministry’s ability to deliver on its mandate, recognizing the positive steps taken towards improving performance and executing critical projects. The Chairman Standing Committee said that the Committee will remain committed to support the Ministry in overcoming current challenges, ensuring the timely completion of ongoing projects, and facilitating future initiatives. Special attention will be given to the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway, recognizing its strategic importance in bolstering connectivity and economic growth. The Committee will continue to work closely with the Ministry to ensure that all projects align with national development goals and deliver tangible benefits to the people.

Besides the Minister for Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan, the meeting was also attended by Hon. Members of the Standing Committee namely, Rana Mubashir Iqbal, MNA, Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan Nasir, MNA, Haji Jamal Shah Kakar, MNA, Ms. Akhtar Bibi, MNA, Dr. Darshan, MNA, Mir Shabbir Ali Bijarani, MNA, Mr. Nazir Ahmed Bhugio, MNA, Syed Mustafa Kamal, MNA, Mr. Muhammad Awn Saqlain, MNA, Mr. Mehboob Shah, MNA, Mr. Ali Khan Jadoon, MNA and Mr. Hameed Hussain, MNA.

The senior officers from the Ministry of Communications and other attached departments were also present in the meeting.