Islamabad: The 18th meeting of the Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives convened at Parliament House under the chairmanship of Syed Abdul Qadir Gillani, MNA. The Committee evaluated the progress of key infrastructure projects, including the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway (M-6), the ML-1 Upgradation Project, and several initiatives under the National Highway Authority (NHA) and Karachi infrastructure.
According to National Assembly of Pakistan, the Committee was briefed on the current status of the M-6 project, revealing that its implementation had been hindered by recent litigation. Groundbreaking is expected to commence from the Sukkur side, while approvals for the Hyderabad section under the public-private partnership mode remain pending. Concerns were raised regarding the delays, prompting the Committee to request detailed briefings from the Chairman of NHA and the Minister concerned.
The Committee also assessed progress on the Sindh sections of NHA projects, specifically the rehabilitation of National Highway N-5. The Moro-Ranipur section is underway with financial backing from the Asian Development Bank’s Flood Emergency Loan, aiming for completion by June 2027. Conversely, work on the Hala-Moro and Ranipur-Sukkur sections has yet to begin, with land procurement still in progress. The Committee called for a more detailed assessment, supported by photographs, to address concerns about road conditions.
Toll charges on the Lyari Expressway were also discussed, with members expressing concerns about the impact of increased fees on Karachi commuters. Clarification was sought regarding the toll’s basis and measures to alleviate financial burdens on daily users.
Further discussions involved the Dera Murad Jamali Bypass (N-25) and the Mian Channu-Kamalia Road, noting the latter’s absence from the current PSDP. Region-wise allocation details were requested for a comprehensive review of development resources distribution.
The Committee addressed the Greater Karachi Sewerage Project (S-3), focusing on Treatment Plant-5 (TP-5). Concerns were raised over land allocation issues, prompting recommendations for a review and reassessment of the project in light of current technological developments.
The ML-1 Upgradation Project was reviewed with input from the Railways Division, which highlighted expected financing from the Asian Development Bank. The Committee sought further details on the project’s timeline and groundbreaking schedule.
The meeting included attendance by Committee members Ms. Naz Baloch, Mr. Farhan Chishti, Mr. Ahmad Raza Maneka, Ms. Izbal Zehri, and senior officials from relevant ministries and authorities.