ISLAMABAD: The Standing Committee of the National Assembly on Communications asked for a detailed report on the Sukkur–Hyderabad Road (M-6), reports on alleged land acquisition corruption cases highlighted in the media—including the suspension of two senior officers—and a comprehensive overview of highways under the Government of Sindh. It was also recommended that the M-6 motorway be extended from Karachi to Sukkur.
The Standing Committee of the National Assembly on Communications held its meeting, chaired by Chairman Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, MNA, at the Parliament House on Thursday. The Committee took up issues related to Balochistan. Jamal Shah Kakar, MNA, informed the Committee that maintenance work has remained suspended for the past two years and that tendered projects have not been initiated. He highlighted major road projects including Quetta–Zhob, Quetta–Loralai, and Quetta–Sibi, and called for a Balochistan-specific meeting of the Committee.
The Ministry of Communications informed the Committee that out of the total PSDP of Rs. 226.98 billion for 2025–26, Rs. 128.8 billion has been allocated to Balochistan. The Ministry further stated some toll plazas in Balochistan have been torched. Members rejected this assertion, stating that lower toll collection is due to Balochistan’s smaller population. They requested the Ministry to identify and brief the Committee on incidents of setting fire to toll plazas. Members further emphasised that Balochistan has provided natural resources to all provinces for decades and, given that it constitutes 43 percent of Pakistan’s landmass, requires extensive road infrastructure.
The Committee recommended that Members from Balochistan and NHA representatives to resolve outstanding issues before the next meeting. The NHA was also directed to prioritise the completion of ongoing projects before initiating new ones.
The Committee sought a detailed report on the Sukkur–Hyderabad Road (M-6), reports on alleged land acquisition corruption cases highlighted in the media—including the suspension of two senior officers—and a comprehensive overview of highways under the Government of Sindh. It was also recommended that the M-6 motorway be extended from Karachi to Sukkur. The secretary was directed to attend the next meeting and submit the requested reports.
The Chairman of the Committee expressed concern over the frequent transfer of the NHA Sindh Member and recommended that a permanent appointment be made at the earliest. It stressed the urgent construction of bridges over the Indus Highway to prevent accidents and loss of life, and noted slow progress on the Kotri–Moro road. An update on the project was sought for the next meeting.
The Committee reconsidered the Calling Attention Notice on the excessive number of toll plazas along the Karachi–Hyderabad Road. The Parliamentary Secretary for Communications assured that local residents would receive exemptions in line with approved policy. It also reviewed the Toll Plaza Rationalisation and Equity Bill, 2025, expressing concern over the Ministry’s failure to coordinate with stakeholders. The Ministry noted the Bill overlaps with existing laws and that toll plazas are spaced 35–60 km apart. Members criticised the establishment of toll plazas on incomplete roads and alleged favouritism in awarding contracts, reducing national revenue. The Committee directed the Ministry to consult stakeholders to submit a detailed report within 15 days. It also discussed issues of poor maintenance planning, unrealistic cost estimates, repeated awards to the same contractors, and weaknesses in the e-bidding system, recommending that the relevant Member and NHA representatives resolve these matters before the next meeting.
