M6, M9 projects dominate Senate panel discussion
The Senate Standing Committee on Communications on Wednesday reviewed the progress and future plans for key infrastructure projects across the country, particularly focusing on the M6 and M9 motorways.
The meeting, presided over by Senator Pervaiz Rasheed, was attended by senior officials, including the communications secretary and the National Highway Authority (NHA) chairman, and provided critical insights into the Ministry of Communications' plans and the status of ongoing development projects.
The NHA chairman briefed the committee on the progress of these projects. He revealed that an international consultant has proposed dividing the M6 motorway into five sections for better management. Additionally, he informed the committee that a delegation from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) is scheduled to visit the country next month, with the bank expressing willingness to invest in three sections of the M6 motorway.
Discussing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's recent visit to Azerbaijan, the chairman emphasized its significance in advancing infrastructure cooperation. During the visit, alternative routes for the M6 and M9 motorways were presented to Azerbaijani companies. On March 19, Pakistan shared the feasibility study of the M9 alternative route with Azerbaijan.
Senator Saifullah Abro questioned the maintenance and repair responsibilities of the M9 motorway.
Meanwhile, concerns were raised regarding financial mismanagement in the land acquisition process for the M6 motorway.
The NHA chairman disclosed that funds allocated for land procurement were transferred to the Sindh government, but certain deputy commissioners misappropriated these funds. He said NAB is currently investigating the matter and has managed to recover a portion of the stolen amount. Out of the embezzled Rs5.7 million, Rs3.2 million has been recovered.
Expressing concern over the unprecedented nature of the case, Senator Pervez Rasheed remarked, "This is the first time in history that a deputy commissioner has absconded with government funds".
The committee was also informed that the M6 motorway's Project Concept-1 (PC-1) will be developed under a hybrid model. The PC-1 is expected to be finalized this week and subsequently shared with the Ministry of Planning.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Communications presented its Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the financial year 2025-26, highlighting its ambitious roadmap for national infrastructure development. The ministry is currently overseeing a total of 105 projects for the ongoing financial year, with 15 new projects and 90 ongoing projects being actively pursued.
These projects are part of a larger national effort with a cumulative cost exceeding Rs240 billion. The NHA chairman emphasized that the Ministry of Finance had released Rs56 billion for the second quarter of the current financial year, with an additional similar amount expected to be disbursed in the remaining quarters.
Senator Maulana Abdul Wasi raised concerns over the DI Khan Kuchlak Zhob Highway, calling for an expedited pace of work on the critical route.
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