The Standing Committee on Communications on Thursday reviewed the status of road infrastructure, toll policy, and key development projects across the country, with a particular focus on Balochistan and Sindh, during its 15th meeting held at the Parliament House.  The meeting, chaired by Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, MNA, began with recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by confirmation of the minutes of the previous meeting, said a press release. 

The Committee first took up matters related to Balochistan. Jamal Shah Kakar, MNA, informed the Committee that maintenance work has remained suspended for the past two years and that tendered projects have not been initiated.  He highlighted major road projects, including Quetta–Zhob, Quetta–Loralai, and Quetta–Sibi, and called for a Balochistan-specific meeting of the Committee. 

The Ministry of Communications informed the Committee that while Balochistan contributes a nominal share of toll revenue, approximately 56 percent of the total PSDP allocation is spent in the province. Out of the total PSDP of Rs. 226.98 billion for 2025–26, Rs. 128.8 billion has been allocated to Balochistan.  The Ministry further stated that Punjab and Sindh, which contribute the major share of toll revenue, subsidize development in Balochistan, and claimed that toll plazas in the province have been torched. 

Members rejected this assertion, stating that lower toll collection is due to Balochistan’s smaller population and denied reports of toll plazas being burnt. They requested the Ministry to identify and brief the Committee on any such incidents.  Members further emphasized that Balochistan has provided natural resources to all provinces for decades and, given that it constitutes 43 percent of Pakistan’s landmass, requires extensive road infrastructure. 

The Committee recommended that Honorable Members from Balochistan and representatives of the National Highway Authority (NHA) meet to resolve outstanding issues before the next meeting. The NHA was also directed to prioritize completion of ongoing projects before initiating new ones.  The Secretary, Works and Services Department, Government of Sindh, informed the Committee that the province has contributed its due share and that payments for land acquisition are underway. 

The Committee asked a detailed report on the Sukkur–Hyderabad Road (M-6), reports on alleged land acquisition corruption cases highlighted in the media, including the suspension of two senior officers, and a comprehensive overview of highways under the Government of Sindh. It was also recommended that the M-6 motorway be extended from Karachi to Sukkur. The Secretary was directed to attend the next meeting and submit the requested reports. 

The Chairman Committee expressed concern over the frequent transfer of the NHA Sindh Member and recommended that a permanent appointment be made at the earliest. The new Member to meet the Secretary, Works and Services Department, Sindh, and present a comprehensive update on all joint projects, particularly the Indus Highway pending for the past nine years.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)