The Senate Standing Committee on Communications met today under the chairmanship of Senator Pervaiz Rashid to scrutinise budgetary allocations for the current financial year and proposals for the year ahead, receive briefings on ongoing National Highway Authority projects and review the implementation of the Escalation Price Adjustment Formula. The meeting was attended by Senator Dost Ali Jeesar, Senator Jam Saifullah Khan, Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir, Senator Kamil Ali Agha, Senator Niaz Ahmad and Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood, with Senator Falak Naz and Senator Hidayatullah Khan present as special invitees.
The Committee examined the NHA budget allocations and releases and was informed that a major portion of funding is channelled through PSDP projects. Members expressed serious concern that delayed budget releases are impeding project execution and triggering significant cost escalations. Senator Jam Saifullah Khan stressed that the Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway must be treated as a priority project and directed that progress updates on the motorway be presented at every Committee meeting.
Concern was voiced over the slow pace of road infrastructure projects nationwide and the risks of running multiple projects concurrently. The Committee recommended devising a mechanism, in consultation with the Planning Commission, to phase project starts so that initiating and completing one project at a time helps prevent cost overruns and ensures timely delivery. The Chairman directed that responsibility for delays be clearly fixed and that any escalation costs be borne by those found accountable.
Members also raised issues about the deteriorating condition of motorways and flagged safety, ventilation and quality standards at the Lawari Tunnel given its strategic importance. The Committee discussed protective roofing and other safety measures for roads in mountainous areas, including Chitral, and noted that a significant number of NHA connectivity projects are underway in Balochistan. The Chairman instructed that detailed project specifications be provided to the Committee and that inspection visits for members be arranged.
The Sub-Committee presented a unanimous report which was commended for its diligent work, and members were briefed on progress of the Chakdara–Chitral and Gilgit–Shandur road projects. The Committee emphasised close monitoring of these initiatives to safeguard timelines and quality standards.
On the Escalation Price Adjustment Formula approved by the Prime Minister, the Committee warned that further delays in implementation could amplify contractors’ claims and run counter to the Prime Minister’s directives. The Chairman directed the Chairman of the NHA to address the matter without delay and to submit quarterly progress reports to the Committee to ensure accountability and timely disbursement against the approved NHA budget.
