The National Assembly Standing Committee on Communications has sought detailed reports on the Sukkur–Hyderabad motorway (M-6), alleged corruption in land acquisition, and the status of highways under the Government of Sindh.
According to a news report, the committee was informed that maintenance work on several road projects in Balochistan has remained suspended for nearly two years and that projects awarded through tenders have not yet commenced.
Members raised concerns over delays in major routes, including Quetta–Zhob, Quetta–Loralai and Quetta–Sibi, and called for a Balochistan-specific meeting of the committee to address the issues.
The Ministry of Communications informed the committee that out of the total PSDP allocation of Rs226.98 billion for FY2025-26, an amount of Rs128.8 billion has been allocated to Balochistan. Ministry officials stated that some toll plazas in the province had been torched, an assertion rejected by members, who said lower toll collection was linked to Balochistan’s smaller population.
Members asked the ministry to identify specific incidents of vandalism and brief the committee. They stressed that Balochistan, which accounts for 43 percent of Pakistan’s landmass, requires extensive road infrastructure, particularly given its contribution of natural resources over decades.
The committee directed the National Highway Authority to prioritise completion of ongoing projects before initiating new ones and recommended that outstanding issues be resolved jointly by NHA officials and members from Balochistan before the next meeting.
The committee also recommended extending the M-6 motorway from Karachi to Sukkur and sought updates on the slow progress on the Kotri–Moro road. It stressed the urgent need for additional bridges on the Indus Highway to prevent accidents and loss of life.
Members expressed concern over the frequent transfer of the NHA Sindh Member and recommended a permanent appointment. The committee also reconsidered a Calling Attention Notice on the number of toll plazas along the Karachi–Hyderabad Road and was assured that local residents would receive exemptions under existing policy.
The committee reviewed the Toll Plaza Rationalisation and Equity Bill, 2025, criticised the lack of stakeholder consultation, and directed the ministry to submit a detailed report within 15 days. It also discussed issues related to project costing, maintenance planning, contractor concentration and weaknesses in the e-bidding system.