ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has reportedly placed the maintenance operations of the National Highway Authority (NHA) under the control of the Secretary Communications, in what officials say is a move contrary to the spirit of the State-Owned Enterprises (Governance and Operations) Act, 2024, and Pakistan’s commitments with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Under the newly enacted SOE Act and the National Highway Authority (Amendment) Act, 2024, the federal government reconstituted the National Highway Council (NHC) and the NHA Executive Board to ensure that the road authority functions independently, free from bureaucratic interference. The legislation limits the ministry’s role to broad policy oversight, leaving operational decisions to the authority and its governing board.

However, officials within the organisation say the communications minister appears reluctant to allow the NHA full autonomy and has been asserting control over its day-to-day affairs. To consolidate his influence, sources said, Mr. Khan has formed a new committee headed by Secretary Communications Ali Sher Mehsud, effectively making him the approving authority for all projects—an arrangement seen as bypassing the lawful forums of approval.

It is pertinent to mention that Secretary Mehsud has previously faced corruption allegations and was reportedly superseded twice in promotions by high-powered boards over financial and moral concerns.

Meanwhile, in an official press release, the Ministry of Communications said the minister has directed major reforms in NHA’s policy framework to promote transparency, efficiency, and accountability in development projects. Chairing a high-level meeting on Tuesday, Mr. Khan expressed concern over “projects lacking visibility and tangible progress” and announced that, starting November, no funds would be released for “repair or maintenance” of old schemes.

He further instructed that only new, duly approved projects would proceed, and all such schemes must be approved collectively by the NHA Board rather than by any individual official. “No financial irregularities or dishonest practices will be tolerated in the NHA,” he declared.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Communications Ali Sher Mehsud, NHA Chairman Muhammad Sheheryar Sultan, and other senior officials.