A heated session of the Senate Standing Committee on Planning, chaired by Senator Quratulain Marri, saw strong criticism leveled against the National Highway Authority (NHA) regarding development priorities, particularly a controversial new motorway project in Punjab and the perceived neglect of infrastructure in Balochistan.
During the meeting, NHA officials briefed the committee that a 16-kilometer motorway from Lahore to Raiwind would be constructed. This revelation immediately drew sharp condemnation from Senator Quratulain Marri.
“Are you building a motorway just for one house?” she questioned pointedly, implying the project’s direct benefit to the Sharif family’s residence in Raiwind. She further pressed NHA officials on who would fund this project, asking, “Will the provincial government or NHA pay for this motorway?” NHA officials responded, “Currently, the National Highway Authority is surveying the land.”
Senator Marri asserted, “No more motorways should be built in Punjab until the remaining provinces have their motorways completed.” She expressed her dismay, “We are surprised why such a motorway is not being built in Karachi. Why are you not building a motorway where there is a port in Karachi?”
The NHA briefing also revealed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has two motorways, while Punjab has seven. This prompted Senator Manzoor Kakar to sharply retort, “Do people not live in Balochistan, which is why there is no motorway there?”
He passionately questioned, “Out of 14 motorways, does Balochistan not deserve even one? Can’t you give even one motorway to Balochistan? Do you not consider Balochistan part of Pakistan?”
Senator Kakar highlighted the devastation caused by recent floods in Balochistan, stating, “One thousand kilometers of roads and bridges were destroyed in the floods.” He challenged the NHA officials, “Can you tell me how many roads have been restored? I know nothing has been done.” He made an emotional appeal, “Punjab alone is not Pakistan; for God’s sake, don’t do this.”
NHA officials responded that 32 bridges damaged during the floods had been tendered for. While acknowledging the NHA’s work, Senator Kakar remained critical, “You are doing a very good job, and you deserve praise, but that is only in Punjab. We want Punjab to develop further, but there are other provinces too. The needs that Punjab is fulfilling, other provinces are also fulfilling.” He expressed frustration over prolonged delays, stating, “Our ears are tired of hearing about the Sukkur-Hyderabad motorway.”
The committee decided to call for a detailed briefing on all roads in Balochistan in the next meeting. Committee Chairperson Quratulain Marri concluded by stating, “We will recommend that no more motorways be built in Punjab. Other provinces, especially Balochistan, should also have motorways.”
Earlier in the meeting, officials from the Planning Ministry confirmed that **PKR 1,000 billion was spent on PSDP (Public Sector Development Program) projects in the last fiscal year.
They also noted that 55 unapproved projects were included in the current fiscal year’s PSDP.*NHA officials stated that Rs. 100 billion has been allocated for N-5 in Balochistan, and seven highway projects with foreign assistance are planned.
Regarding the M-6 motorway, officials informed the committee that the Islamic Development Bank would provide assistance for three sections, while two additional sections would be built on a Public-Private Partnership basis. They also mentioned that in addition to the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway, the GT Road between Hyderabad and Sukkur would also be upgraded.
Senator Saadia Abbasi raised concerns about public libraries, noting, “Books in a large government library in Islamabad have been infested with termites.” She mentioned a plan to open an Allama Iqbal Research Center and Library in Islamabad, questioning the need for so many new institutions when existing funds need proper utilization.
Senator Quratulain Marri emphasized the need for “correct use of these funds.” Senator Saadia Abbasi also expressed frustration that their remarks are sometimes perceived by officials and ministers as “anti-minister” or “anti-government” statements.
