ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Communication informed the Standing Committee of the National Assembly on Communications that the M-6 project (Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway) would be included in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2025-26, as recommended, with funding support from international financial institutions.
The project would be completed in five phases/ sections, and the process is set to begin soon. The NA standing committee held its meeting under the chairmanship of Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, MNA, and reviewed the ministry’s responses to previous recommendations, focusing on key infrastructure projects aimed at improving national connectivity and road safety.
The panel received a progress update on the M-6 Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway, a project of significant strategic and economic importance. It also discussed the inquiry report submitted by the National Highway Authority (NHA) in response to Calling Attention Notice No. 21, raised by Syed Waseem Hussain, MNA, and other members. The notice highlighted public concerns about the alleged imposition of excessive tolls at various points along the Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway (M-9). After reviewing the report, the committee emphasised the need for fair tolling practices and greater transparency in revenue collection. It was agreed that the committee member and NHA representatives would revisit the area to develop workable solutions, which would be presented in the next committee meeting. The Communication Ministry informed the forum that it had acknowledged the committee’s earlier directive regarding the inclusion of development schemes proposed by members. However, due to time constraints, the preparation of feasibility reports and PC-1 documents could not be completed in time. As a result, the schemes were not submitted to the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives by the stipulated deadline of March 31, 2025.
The committee chairman directed the NHA to complete all necessary formalities within six months to ensure the schemes are considered in the next fiscal year. The ministry also informed the committee that it had taken cognisance of concerns regarding reported instances of fraud and corruption in the toll plaza tendering process. In response, the NHA has introduced an e-bidding system and relaxed certain financial and qualification criteria to encourage broader participation, promote competition, and enhance revenue generation through a more transparent process. Additionally, the ministry assured the panel that measures are being considered to ease public inconvenience caused by traffic congestion at toll plazas, including improved traffic management and the adoption of technology to streamline toll collection. The committee also directed the NHA to rehabilitate damaged toll plazas, with particular focus on the Qazi Ahmed Plaza and four other locations. The Communication Ministry submitted a comprehensive list of officers on deputation currently serving in the NHA at BPS-17 and above, along with the relevant policy, in compliance with the committee’s recommendations. It was clarified that these officers were serving only in administrative roles, do not impact the promotion quota, and carry no pension liabilities. The committee emphasised that all appointments must be merit-based, and reiterated that any individuals found involved in malpractice should be repatriated immediately. The ministry also informed the parliamentary forum that it had taken serious note of concerns regarding the illegal construction of walls along Sohrab Goth Road, which is officially designated as a green belt. In response to the committee’s directive, the ministry confirmed that initial steps have been taken to assess the extent of the encroachments. It further assured the committee that appropriate enforcement measures would be carried out, in coordination with the relevant local authorities, to remove the illegal structures and restore the area to its intended purpose. The committee was also informed that the matter is currently under judicial consideration, and further action will depend on the court’s decision. Regarding the Ranipur-Moro project, the ministry apprised the committee of the delay in completion, noting that 53 percent of the physical work had been completed so far. The original deadline for completion was June 30, 2025. However, due to delays, the contractor requested a six-month extension, which was approved by the NHA. The committee supported the extension and resolved to inaugurate the project in December 2025.
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