ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Planning expressed its concerns regarding the federal government’s taking over of the Rs 465 billion Lahore–Bahawalnagar Motorway Project.
The NA Panel on Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives held its meeting at the Parliament House under the chairmanship of Syed Abdul Kadir Gillani, MNA, on Tuesday.
The Ministry briefed the NA committee on the completion timelines and financing arrangements in place. The committee expressed dissatisfaction with the briefing and decided that sub-committees shall be formed to examine issues related to the Lahore–Bahawalnagar Motorway Project, as well as delays in the completion of projects undertaken by the Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company Limited.
It also reviewed the status of the N-5 National Highway, which remains incomplete to date. The Ministry informed the Committee that the delay is primarily due to ongoing litigation.
The committee also deliberated on challenges in the implementation of development projects across different regions, highlighting inconsistencies in administrative and financial criteria.
During the discussion on a question raised by Ms Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, concerns were expressed regarding discrepancies between reported progress in education and health initiatives and findings reflected in recent international assessments, including reports by UNICEF. She questioned the effectiveness of ongoing interventions and the utilisation of allocated funds. The Ministry informed the committee that the overall development fund volume has, in real terms, effectively contracted due to inflation and fiscal pressures. At the same time, provincial PSDP allocations have increased, and members were advised to raise questions regarding utilisation and outcomes with the respective provincial authorities.
