Islamabad, The Senate Standing Committee on Communications, led by Senator Kamil Ali Agha, has unanimously recommended renaming the Mini Interchange “Rehmani Khel” on the CPEC road to “Shah ESA” interchange. This decision came in response to the demands of the general public and the Tehsil Local Government of Paharpur, District D.I. Khan, and was taken during a meeting at Parliament House on Tuesday. The committee’s recommendation reflects the deep respect and sentiments of the local community towards the renowned saint Shah Esa (R.A.), with no disputes reported among the community members regarding this change.
According to Senate of Pakistan, the committee also addressed a public petition for transferring a major road project from the B and A Department to the National Highway Authority (NHA) of Pakistan. The petition, presented by Malak Abdul Qayum Mosa Khail, cited concerns of corruption in the project that involves the construction and expansion of the Digri Shabozai to Taunsa Sharif road. However, the Ministry officials informed the committee about NHA’s financial constraints, stating that it lacked the resources to take on new roads or even maintain its current network. The committee concluded that any transfer to NHA would require consent and funding from the Provincial Governments of Balochistan and Punjab, along with necessary NOCs, and decided to defer the matter pending further briefings from the concerned provincial departments.
The meeting also covered the NHA Hyderabad-Sukkar Motorway Project, a key segment of the Peshawar-Karachi Motorway (PKM), highlighting its importance with a revised project cost of PKR 308.194 billion. This project, featuring a 306 KM stretch with 15 interchanges and service stations, remains a top priority for both the Government and NHA, with expectations of accelerated progress under the new government.
Additionally, the committee deferred considerations related to the criteria for constructing interchanges and right of way on motorways until the formation of a new government, indicating the matter’s significance in policy-making.
The session was attended by Senators Shamim Afridi, Danesh Kumar, and Senator Abida Muhammad Azeem, alongside representatives from attached departments, demonstrating the committee’s comprehensive approach to addressing transportation and infrastructure issues within the country.