Islamabad, November 3,2026: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Communications has directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to submit a comprehensive, project-wise report on substandard road construction, including details of feasibility studies, soil investigations, technical assessments and procedures followed before awarding contracts.
The directive was issued during the 20th meeting of the Standing Committee, held at the NHA Auditorium in Islamabad on Tuesday under the chairmanship of MNA Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani. The meeting reviewed road infrastructure development, implementation of previous recommendations, major motorway projects, road safety and the performance of the Motorway Police.
The Committee expressed serious concern over the premature deterioration of roads shortly after their completion while considering Starred Question No. 55, moved by MNA Syed Rafiullah. The mover expressed dissatisfaction with the NHA’s response, pointing out that inadequate planning, the absence of proper surveys, soil investigations and load assessments before construction were contributing to poor-quality roads and the wastage of public funds.
The Committee directed the NHA to provide complete details of projects where construction standards had allegedly been compromised or work undertaken without adequate planning. The report must cover feasibility studies, surveys, soil investigations, load evaluations, technical assessments, construction standards and post-completion evaluation criteria to ensure accountability and prevent recurrence of such practices.
The deteriorated condition of the Sukkur-Shikarpur highway also came under discussion following concerns raised by MNA Muhammad Shaharyar Khan Mahar over frequent accidents and the poor condition of the road.
The Committee expressed dissatisfaction with the responses furnished by the NHA and its Member (Sindh). NHA Chief Executive Officer acknowledged that a mistake had occurred and admitted that the photographs presented to the Committee did not reflect the actual ground situation.
Following deliberations, the Committee directed the Member (Sindh) to personally visit the affected area along with the mover and submit a comprehensive report on the highway’s actual condition at the next meeting.
The NHA was also directed to immediately post a competent General Manager at Sukkur and share the relevant posting orders with the Committee. It was informed that the previous General Manager had been suspended in September 2026, with the Committee stressing that a replacement must be appointed without further delay.
Regarding delays in the construction of the Karachi Port-Qayyumabad Road, raised by MNA Syed Hafeezuddin, the Committee decided to close the matter with the mover’s consent, observing that it primarily fell within provincial jurisdiction.
On the M-6 Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway Project, the NHA CEO informed the Committee that construction work on Sections III, IV and V would commence by January 2027. He added that the inauguration ceremony would be attended by the Chairman and members of the Standing Committee.
The Committee directed the NHA to post the General Manager/Project Director of the project in Sindh instead of Islamabad to ensure effective supervision, coordination and timely execution. It also emphasized expediting the project in view of its importance for regional connectivity and economic development.
The Committee also called for prioritising the completion of ongoing development schemes before initiating new projects under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). It directed the NHA to present a concrete proposal, including a draft Bill, at its next meeting to establish a legislative mechanism ensuring that ongoing schemes receive priority and are completed before new projects are launched.
The proposed mechanism is aimed at preventing unnecessary delays, the accumulation of throw-forward liabilities and the wastage of public resources.
The Dera Murad Jamali Bypass project, which has received no allocation under the current year’s PSDP, also came under discussion. The Committee directed the NHA to submit a comprehensive proposal at the next meeting, outlining possible funding arrangements and a strategy for completing the project.
Expressing concern over the shortage of staff in the NHA’s Balochistan region, the Committee directed the authority to examine measures to strengthen its workforce in line with the province’s extensive road network and maintenance requirements.
It also stressed the need to provide employment opportunities to local residents by making them eligible for recruitment against relevant positions, keeping in view regional requirements and the effective management of road infrastructure.
The Inspector General of Motorway Police also briefed the Committee on the department’s performance over the past three years, covering operational activities, road safety measures, enforcement of traffic regulations and initiatives to facilitate commuters.
The Committee underscored the importance of improving road safety, strengthening enforcement and ensuring effective service delivery.
It directed the Ministry of Communications, NHA and other relevant departments to take necessary action and ensure timely implementation of its recommendations.
The meeting was attended by members of the Standing Committee and representatives of the Ministry of Communications, NHA, Motorway Police and other concerned departments.
