Senate panel halts NHA tendering on N-45 project over missing documents, oversight concerns

The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs has directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) and relevant authorities to halt the tendering process for the N-45 Chakdara–Chitral Road (Kalkatak–Chitral section) until complete documentation is submitted.

According to reports, the committee, chaired by Senator Saifullah Abro, reviewed development projects in communications, energy and urban sectors and raised concerns over transparency and project oversight. Members expressed reservations over discrepancies in data presented on the N-45 project and termed the information incomplete. The committee was also informed that the position of General Manager (P&CA) at NHA is currently vacant.

The committee directed that tendering be stopped until feasibility reports, project maps and other required documents are provided and reviewed. It also raised concerns over the absence of project consultants during bid evaluation and noted that a previous procurement process had been cancelled following its intervention. Senator Haji Hidayatullah pointed to repeated delays in the submission of key documents.

Senator Saifullah Abro recommended that the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) establish a dedicated desk to monitor tendering processes and proposed the inclusion of EAD representatives in procurement to improve transparency. The Secretary of Communications was directed to ensure informed representation in future meetings.

The committee also reviewed the 660MW coal-fired power project at Jamshoro, supported by the Asian Development Bank, and was informed that the plant is currently operating on 80% imported coal. Members stressed the need to shift towards local coal to reduce foreign exchange outflows and questioned the absence of RLNG supply to the plant despite its location.

Concerns were also raised regarding the auctioning of thermal power plants that could have been rehabilitated. The committee directed the Power Division to provide details of such auctions and records related to imported coal procurement. Issues related to capacity payments to Independent Power Producers, solar licensing, electricity tariffs and load-shedding were also discussed.

Separately, the committee reviewed the Competitive and Livable City of Karachi (CLICK) project funded by the World Bank. Officials said the project focuses on rehabilitation of existing infrastructure through local government institutions. The chairman recommended geotagging of schemes to ensure transparency and avoid duplication.

The committee was informed that the UIPT Survey 2025 under the CLICK project identified 4.4 million property units, expanding the potential tax base. The Economic Affairs Division was directed to coordinate with the Sindh government to ensure participation of senior officials in future meetings and to submit complete tendering records for all schemes.