ISLAMABAD: The Standing Committee of the National Assembly on Communications has expressed serious concern over the delay in proposals of the National Highway Authority (NHA) for the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) schemes for the Financial Year 2026–2027 as the NHA chief executive officer informed the committee that the proposals had yet to be compiled.
The committee held its meeting with its Chairman Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani in the chair here at the Parliament House on Tuesday. Members of the committee emphasised that in terms of Rule 201 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007, each ministry is required to submit its PSDP budgetary proposals for the forthcoming financial year to the relevant Standing Committee no later than January 31 annually. The Standing Committee is then mandated to examine the proposals and submit its recommendations by March 1.
The rule further provides that if recommendations are not made within the stipulated timeframe, the proposals shall be deemed to have been approved.
It was noted with concern that two reminder letters had been issued to the ministry in January 2026 to ensure compliance with the statutory deadline; however, no response was received and the proposals were not submitted within the prescribed period.
The CEO, NHA, acknowledged the delay and assured the committee that the PSDP proposals would be presented on March 2, 2026.He further assured the committee that its recommendations would be duly incorporated into the proposed schemes and admitted that the delay was attributable to the authority.
The committee chairman apprised the members of the reasons for the absence of the Secretary, Ministry of Communications, from the previous meeting without prior intimation.
After due deliberation, the committee resolved, on this occasion, not to initiate any action against the Secretary under the relevant rules. While taking up agenda item concerning the PSDP schemes for the Financial Year 2026–2027.
With regards to the Private Member Bill titled “Toll Plaza Rationalisation and Equity Bill, 2025,” the committee directed the ministry to attend the next meeting with a comprehensive clause-by-clause justification outlining the reasons for its non-endorsement of the Bill, so that the matter may be considered in detail and disposed of appropriately.
The committee also advised that, prior to the next meeting, the mover of the bill and representatives of the Ministry of Law and Justice and the Ministry of Communications should hold a consultative meeting to deliberate upon the contentious provisions and endeavor to reach a consensus.
Furthermore, the committee directed the NHA to immediately resolve the issue of road closures and traffic congestion resulting from the repair and maintenance works. It emphasised that all lanes at toll plazas must remain open to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow and minimise inconvenience to the public.
The committee cautioned that, where toll plaza operators are found in violation of the prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), strict action, including cancellation of contracts, should be taken. The committee also sought clarification from the NHA regarding a Ministry of Finance report highlighted in the media, which characterized the NHA as the largest loss-making state-owned enterprise in Pakistan.
A detailed briefing on the authority’s financial position and its response to the report was asked.
An update was likewise obtained on the M-6 Motorway project, including its anticipated date of commencement, projected completion timeline, and the proposed sources of financing.
