ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Communications has expressed serious concern over the delay in submission of Public Sector Development Programme proposals by the National Highway Authority for the financial year 2026–27. The issue surfaced during a meeting chaired by Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani at Parliament House on Tuesday.
Committee members pointed out that under Rule 201 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly 2007, each ministry is required to submit PSDP budget proposals to the relevant standing committee by January 31 every year. The committee is then mandated to review and submit recommendations by March 1, failing which the proposals are deemed approved.
Members noted with concern that two reminder letters were issued to the Ministry of Communications in January 2026 to ensure compliance, but no response was received and proposals were not submitted within the statutory deadline. The NHA chief executive officer acknowledged the delay and assured the committee that proposals would be presented on March 2. He admitted the lapse was attributable to the authority and pledged to incorporate the committee’s recommendations.
The committee also discussed the Toll Plaza Rationalisation and Equity Bill 2025 and directed the ministry to provide a detailed clause by clause justification for its non endorsement in the next meeting. It advised consultations between the bill’s mover and officials from the ministries of law and communications to resolve contentious provisions.
Members further directed the NHA to immediately address road closures and traffic congestion caused by repair and maintenance works. They emphasised that all lanes at toll plazas must remain operational to ensure smooth traffic flow, warning of strict action including contract cancellation for violations of standard operating procedures.
The committee also sought clarification regarding a Ministry of Finance report describing NHA as the largest loss making state owned enterprise and requested a comprehensive financial briefing. An update on the M 6 Motorway project including timeline and financing was also demanded.
