NA body directs NHA to prioritise ongoing projects, strengthen workforce in Balochistan

ISLAMABAD, Nov 03 (APP): The National Assembly Standing Committee on Communications on Tuesday directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to prioritise ongoing development schemes, ensure timely completion of delayed projects and take measures to strengthen its workforce in Balochistan.

The committee, which met under the chairmanship of MNA Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani at the NHA Headquarters, reviewed matters relating to road infrastructure, implementation of previous recommendations, progress on major motorway projects, road safety and the performance of the Motorway Police.

The meeting commenced with the confirmation of the minutes of the Committee’s 19th meeting, held on September 2, 2026.

The Committee reviewed the implementation status of its previous recommendations.

The NA panel also considered Starred Question No. 55, moved by Syed Rafiullah, MNA, regarding the deterioration of roads shortly after their completion due to substandard construction and inadequate planning. The Mover expressed dissatisfaction with the response furnished by the NHA and observed that the absence of proper surveys, load evaluations, soil investigations and other essential technical tests before the commencement of road construction projects was contributing to the premature deterioration of roads.

He further pointed out that contracts were being awarded without adequate planning and proper technical assessments, resulting in substandard construction and wastage of public funds.

The Mover emphasized that proper pre-construction planning, including soil testing, load assessment and other mandatory technical evaluations, must be ensured before awarding contracts and commencing construction work. Taking serious notice of the matter, the Committee directed the NHA to submit a comprehensive and project-wise report identifying cases of substandard construction and projects undertaken without adequate planning. The report shall contain complete details of every project, including pre-contract planning, feasibility studies, surveys, soil investigations, load evaluations, technical assessments, construction standards and post-completion evaluation criteria. The Committee emphasized that the report must clearly reflect the procedures and technical standards followed before awarding contracts and after completion of the projects to ensure accountability and prevent recurrence of such practices.

The NA body also examined the deteriorated condition of the Sukkur–Shikarpur highway, a matter raised by Muhammad Shaharyar Khan Mahar, MNA, owing to frequent accidents and the poor condition of the road. The Committee found the responses furnished by the NHA and Member (Sindh) unsatisfactory. The CEO, NHA, admitted that a mistake had occurred and acknowledged that the pictures presented to the Committee did not reflect the actual ground situation. The Mover also sought clarification regarding the action taken on the Committee’s previous recommendations concerning the General Manager (GM), Sukkur, which had been communicated to the NHA.

After detailed deliberations, the Committee directed the Member (Sindh), NHA, to contact the Mover, personally visit the affected area along with him and submit a comprehensive report on the actual condition of the highway at the next meeting. The Committee further directed the NHA to immediately post a capable and competent General Manager at Sukkur and share the relevant posting orders with the Committee. It was noted that the previous GM had been suspended in September 2026, and the Committee emphasized that an appropriate replacement must be posted without further delay to ensure that the ongoing work and administrative affairs do not suffer.

The NA panel also considered the matter concerning delays in the construction of Karachi Port–Qayyumabad Road, raised by Syed Hafeezuddin, MNA. With the consent of the Mover, the Committee decided to close the matter, as it primarily relates to the provincial jurisdiction.

Regarding the M-6 Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway Project, the CEO, NHA, informed the Committeeee that construction work on Sections III, IV and V would commence by January 2027. He further informed the Committee that the inauguration ceremony of the project would be attended by the Chairman and Members of the Standing Committee. The Committee directed the NHA to ensure that the General Manager/Project Director (GM/PD) of the said project is posted in Sindh instead of Islamabad to ensure effective supervision, coordination and timely execution of the project. The Committee emphasized the importance of expediting the work in view of the project’s significance for regional connectivity and economic development.

The NA body deliberated on the need to ensure the timely completion of ongoing development schemes before initiating new projects under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). The Committee directed the NHA to come up with a concrete proposal at the next meeting regarding the formulation of appropriate legislation, including a draft Bill, to establish a mechanism whereby ongoing schemes are given priority and completed before the launch of new schemes under the PSDP. The Committee emphasized that such a mechanism would help prevent unnecessary delays, accumulation of throw-forward liabilities and wastage of public resources.

The Committee further took up the matter of the Dera Murad Jamali Bypass, which had not received any allocation in the current year’s PSDP. The NHA was directed to present a comprehensive proposal at the next meeting, explaining how the project could be completed and identifying possible funding arrangements to ensure that the scheme does not remain stalled due to non-allocation of funds.

The NA body also expressed concern over the shortage of staff in the NHA’s Balochistan region in view of the province’s extensive road infrastructure network and long stretches of highways requiring regular maintenance and supervision. The NHA was directed to examine and propose measures for enhancing the strength of its workforce in Balochistan on a basis comparable with other provinces. The Committee further emphasized the need to provide employment opportunities to local people by making them eligible for recruitment against relevant positions, keeping in view the requirements of the region and the effective management and maintenance of its road infrastructure.

The Committee further received a briefing from the Inspector General (IG), Motorway Police, regarding the performance of the Motorway Police during the last three years. The briefing covered operational performance, road safety measures, enforcement of traffic regulations and initiatives undertaken to facilitate commuters. The Committee emphasized the importance of improving road safety, strengthening enforcement and ensuring effective service delivery.

The Committee issued necessary directions to the Ministry of Communications, NHA and other concerned departments for appropriate action and timely implementation of its recommendations.

The meeting was attended by the Hon. Members of the Standing Committee, representatives of the Ministry of Communications, National Highway Authority, Motorway Police and other concerned departments.