Islamabad: The Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives convened at Parliament House under the leadership of Syed Abdul Kadir Gillani to address pressing issues regarding the Rs. 465 billion Lahore-Bahawalnagar Motorway Project. The committee raised serious concerns over the project’s delayed timelines and financial arrangements.
According to National Assembly of Pakistan, the committee responded to a Calling Attention Notice by Syed Naveed Qamar, highlighting potential violations of federal fiscal priorities and resource diversion from significant national projects. The Ministry briefed the committee on the current status, but members questioned the viability of the Public-Private Partnership model amidst economic challenges. Additionally, the committee scrutinized the incomplete N-5 National Highway, attributing delays to ongoing litigation. A comprehensive report was requested from the Ministry, and the necessity for special projects in Dera Ismail Khan was emphasized.
The committee further examined challenges in executing development projects across regions, noting administrative and financial inconsistencies. It decided to form sub-committees to assess the Lahore-Bahawalnagar Motorway Project and delays in Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company Limited’s projects. A verification visit to IFRAP-related projects in Balochistan was also planned.
In discussions on a starred question by Ms. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, concerns were raised over discrepancies in education and health initiatives compared to international assessments. The Ministry clarified provincial responsibilities post-devolution and noted the contraction of development funds due to inflation. The committee suggested leveraging Sustainable Development Goals forums for improved oversight. No reservations were raised regarding next year’s PSDP budgetary proposals, but further discussions on legislative amendments were deferred to future meetings.
The meeting saw attendance from several MNAs and MPAs, including participation via video link, with discussions attended by movers of the Calling Attention Notice and representatives from relevant ministries.