Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has instructed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to undertake sweeping reforms in its policy framework to strengthen transparency, efficiency, and accountability across all development projects.
Chairing a high-level meeting on Tuesday, the minister voiced concern over several projects showing little visibility or tangible progress, calling for an immediate review of the authority’s operational and financial procedures, according to a press release.
In a decisive move, Aleem Khan announced that from November onward, no funds will be released under the guise of “repair or maintenance” for ongoing or outdated projects. He said that only new and formally approved schemes will be considered, and all such projects must receive collective approval from the NHA Board rather than individual officials.
The minister stressed that no financial irregularities or dishonest practices would be tolerated, directing strict compliance with governance and performance standards. He took serious notice of bogus and long-delayed projects, instructing relevant officers to submit a detailed breakup of all ongoing works to the NHA Chairman without delay.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Communications Ali Sher Mehsud, NHA Chairman Muhammad Sheheryar Sultan, and other senior officials.
