ISLAMABAD: The Standing Committee on Communications, led by Chairman Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, expressed dissatisfaction with the Ministry of Communications over road infrastructure issues, substandard construction, and delays in major highway projects during its 19th meeting in Islamabad. The committee scrutinized various matters including the deterioration of roads, project delays, and the management of toll collections.

According to National Assembly of Pakistan, the meeting highlighted serious concerns about the Ministry’s unsatisfactory responses to issues such as the rapid deterioration of newly constructed roads and inadequate maintenance. The Ministry attributed these issues to extreme weather conditions and lack of maintenance funds, a response which was deemed unsatisfactory by the committee. The committee directed the Ministry to provide a more detailed explanation and to be fully prepared at the next meeting.

The deteriorated state of the Sukkur-Shikarpur highway, frequently cited for accidents, was also discussed. The National Highway Authority (NHA) CEO acknowledged discrepancies between official reports and actual conditions, promising an inquiry and withholding contractor payments until the matter is resolved. Further, the committee examined the delayed Ratodero-Gwadar Motorway project, with completion now expected by November 2026 following a hydrological study.

Additional concerns included delayed projects like the Karachi Port-Qayyumabad Road and issues related to toll collections on under-construction roads. The committee plans to address these issues in future meetings, with the next session set to focus on the Sub-Committee’s Terms of Reference and meet with the NHA CEO to discuss toll policies.

The meeting was attended by members of the Standing Committee and representatives from the Ministry of Communications and the NHA.