Islamabad, Aug 1, 2025: In its 12th meeting held on Thursday, the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Communications reviewed several crucial infrastructure projects focused on improving road safety and national connectivity.
A key item on the agenda was the M-6 Sukkur-Hyderabad project, which is now expected to officially commence in April 2026. This vital motorway initiative is being funded by the Islamic Development Bank, and the National Highway Authority (NHA) has already submitted a request for advance procurement approval.
Land acquisition for the project is set to begin within the coming month. The NHA has stated that it will formally approach the Sindh government to initiate the legal process of land procurement. The meeting, chaired by MNA Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and approval of the previous session’s minutes.
During the meeting, members expressed their dissatisfaction over the absence of the Secretary of the Ministry of Communications. A strict warning was issued, stating that repeated absences would be reported to the House and the Privilege Committee for appropriate action.
One of the more controversial topics raised involved the National Highway Authority’s recent toll rate hikes. Members voiced strong concern over what they described as the third toll rate increase in a short span, despite NHA’s official policy of revising toll rates only once every three years. The Committee directed the NHA to present a detailed justification for the increases in the next meeting, citing public interest concerns.
The Inspector General of the Motorway Police briefed the Committee on legal actions being taken against motorists exceeding the 150 km/h speed limit. FIRs are being registered under Section 279 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which deals with negligent driving.
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However, the Committee observed that while this approach has contributed to a noticeable drop in motorway accidents over the past five months, it may require revision. Members proposed exploring alternative penalties, such as heavy fines and possible license suspensions, to replace FIRs and imprisonment.
Further discussion was triggered by a Calling Attention Notice moved by MNA Syed Waseem Hussain, highlighting the presence of two toll plazas just five kilometers apart on the M-9 Motorway. This appears to violate the established policy that mandates a minimum 35-kilometer gap between toll plazas. In response, the NHA explained that the placement of a major bridge justified the exception, as toll plazas are allowed at such infrastructure points.
The Committee, however, directed the NHA to submit a full list of all bridges where toll plazas have been installed and demanded a report, complete with photographs and video evidence, on the condition of the specific bridge in question.
Concerns were also raised regarding the lack of toll exemption for residents of Hyderabad District, especially since residents of neighboring Jamshoro already receive such exemptions. The Committee urged the NHA to review this policy to ensure fairness and consistency.
Additionally, it was revealed that the Karachi Northern Bypass will be integrated into the M-10 project, which is expected to alleviate long-standing traffic congestion issues within Karachi. Toward the end of the session, the Committee agreed to formally contact the Senate Standing Committee on Communications to request findings from its Sub-Committee.
This pertains to how a contractor, previously disqualified and terminated by the NHA, managed to secure a contract worth Rs. 166 billion under the CAREC Tranche-III project. The NHA was instructed to present a comprehensive update on this issue in the next session.
The M-6 Sukkur-Hyderabad project and related national infrastructure plans continue to be key priorities for the Committee, which aims to ensure transparency, efficiency, and accountability in Pakistan’s development efforts.
