Islamabad: The Senate was briefed on Tuesday about several key infrastructure and policy initiatives, including the commencement of construction on the M-6 Motorway connecting Sukkur to Hyderabad, which is set to begin this year. The session also covered topics such as facilitation for rice exporters, a new consular policy for overseas Pakistanis, and the passage of a significant amendment bill.
According to a statement by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan informed the Senate that the M-6 Motorway would eventually extend to Karachi. He emphasized the project’s importance and its prioritization by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, noting its potential economic benefits upon completion.
In matters of foreign affairs, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar revealed that a comprehensive consular policy is under development. This policy aims to assist Pakistanis imprisoned abroad, with ongoing protection efforts through established international frameworks. Consular officers are actively visiting and arranging legal representation for detained nationals.
The Senate also approved the National Commission on the Status of Women Amendment Bill, 2025, presented by Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar. Additionally, discussions were held on sports promotion and water resource management.
Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain assured the Senate that rice exporters are receiving full facilitation. He highlighted ongoing efforts to address the challenges faced by exporters and maintained that the country’s rice export targets exceed those of the previous year.
In response to an adjournment motion, Minister for Water Resources Musadiq Masood Malik clarified the details of the Cholistan Canal project. He stated that it would be constructed on the Sutlej River, not the River Indus, and is a provincial initiative of Punjab. The project, with a budget of 225 billion rupees, has received approval following water certification by IRSA. Malik reiterated that provinces have the autonomy to initiate projects within their water share and mentioned plans for a telemetry system to monitor water flows.
The Senate session concluded with an announcement to reconvene on Friday at 10:30 a.m.