Senators Criticize NHA Over Motorway Priorities, Demand Fair Allocation for Balochistan
ISLAMABAD – A recent session of the Senate Standing Committee on Planning, chaired by Senator Quratulain Marri, turned heated as lawmakers expressed serious concerns over the National Highway Authority’s (NHA) infrastructure priorities, particularly the focus on Punjab while Balochistan remains underserved.
During the briefing, NHA officials revealed plans for a 16-kilometer motorway project connecting Lahore to Raiwind. This announcement sparked immediate criticism from Senator Marri, who questioned the intent behind the project. “Are you building a motorway just for one house?” she asked, implying the project mainly benefits the residence of a prominent political family in Raiwind.
She further demanded clarity on the project’s funding: “Will it be financed by the provincial government or the NHA?” Officials responded that the project is currently in the land survey stage.
“No More Motorways for Punjab Until Others Catch Up”
Senator Marri firmly stated, “No more motorways should be built in Punjab until provinces like Balochistan, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are given equal priority.” She added, “Why not build a motorway in Karachi, where there is a major port and economic hub?”
The committee learned that while Punjab has seven motorways, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has two, and Balochistan has none — a disparity that triggered further outrage.
Balochistan’s Neglect Sparks Outcry
Senator Manzoor Kakar voiced strong frustration over Balochistan’s exclusion. “Out of 14 motorways, not a single one is in Balochistan. Do people not live there?” he asked. He emphasized the devastating impact of floods, which damaged over 1,000 kilometers of roads and bridges in the province.
He questioned the NHA’s restoration efforts, saying, “Can you tell me how many of those roads have been rebuilt? I know the answer—none.” He urged a balanced approach to development, declaring, “Punjab alone is not Pakistan.”
In response, NHA officials shared that 32 damaged bridges in Balochistan have been tendered for repair. They also highlighted Rs. 100 billion allocated for the N-5 highway in the province, along with seven foreign-assisted highway projects in the pipeline.
Still, Senator Kakar expressed skepticism, especially over long-delayed projects like the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway, saying, “Our ears are tired of hearing about it.”
Committee Pushes for Equal Infrastructure Development
The committee agreed to seek a comprehensive briefing on Balochistan’s road infrastructure in its next session. Senator Marri concluded, “We will recommend that no additional motorways be approved for Punjab until the other provinces are brought on par.”
PSDP Spending and Project Oversight
Earlier in the meeting, Planning Ministry officials reported spending over PKR 1,000 billion on Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) projects in the last fiscal year. However, they revealed that 55 unapproved projects were also included in the current year’s PSDP, raising concerns about oversight.
Regarding the much-anticipated M-6 Motorway, the committee was told that funding for three sections would come from the Islamic Development Bank, while two other sections would be developed through Public-Private Partnerships. Plans are also underway to upgrade the GT Road between Hyderabad and Sukkur.
Concerns Over Library Infrastructure and Resource Allocation
Senator Saadia Abbasi shifted the focus to neglected cultural infrastructure, noting that a major public library in Islamabad has books infested with termites. She questioned the logic behind launching new institutions, such as the Allama Iqbal Research Center, when existing facilities are underfunded and poorly maintained.
Both Senator Abbasi and Chairperson Marri stressed the importance of responsible resource utilization, with Marri adding, “Funds must be used correctly and fairly across all provinces.”
Senator Abbasi also addressed the challenges of voicing concerns, saying, “Whenever we raise issues, we are labeled as anti-government or anti-minister, which is unfair.”
✅ Conclusion
The committee’s session highlighted growing discontent over regional inequalities in infrastructure development, particularly in Balochistan. With a clear call for equity and transparency, the Senate committee aims to push for infrastructure that truly reflects the needs of all Pakistanis, not just select regions.
