ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Problems of Less Developed Areas has expressed dissatisfaction over delays in development projects and directed immediate action to improve digital connectivity and infrastructure in remote regions.
The committee met under the chairmanship of Senator Niaz Ahmed at Parliament Lodges to review the performance of essential infrastructure, telecommunications and energy projects in less developed regions, including Chitral and Shangla. The committee voiced strong displeasure over the absence of several federal secretaries during the briefing. As a result, multiple agenda items were deferred, and the chairman directed all secretaries and heads of departments concerned to ensure their personal attendance at the next meeting.
Members received a detailed briefing on flood-control measures and a 5-megawatt hydropower project in Chitral being executed under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). Highlighting key regional concerns, Senator Talha Mehmood drew attention to the lack of stable internet services in Upper Chitral, noting that frequent disruptions force students and IT professionals to travel long distances to Lower Chitral to perform routine tasks.
Officials from the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority and the Universal Service Fund assured the committee that immediate measures would be taken to improve service delivery.
The committee also directed the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission to submit audit and third-party verification reports regarding its implementing partners. The members reviewed the strategic Khawazakhela-Besham Expressway, a 48-kilometre project vital to regional connectivity. The chairman questioned the reasons for persistent delays and sought a clear timeline for the start of development work. Officials from the National Highway Authority cited high costs and route realignment as the main causes of delay, while the committee stressed the need for accelerated completion.
Technical briefings from the PTA revealed that 142 telecom towers have been installed in Chitral, mainly through Telenor Pakistan, but spectrum and access challenges continue to hinder connectivity. Steps are being taken to address the issue.
On the energy front, the Peshawar Electric Supply Company outlined ongoing electricity development initiatives under its three-year plan. The committee also reviewed the status of USF funds and demanded transparent details about the banks holding these deposits and the interest rates being applied.
