The M-5 motorway project needs Rs1.7 billion in additional funding, while the court stresses that the contractor must be paid to allow construction to continue.
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has given the federal government one month to arrange the funds required for the construction of Bhong Interchange on the Multan–Sukkur Motorway (M-5), directing the relevant authorities to act in line with an earlier Supreme Court judgment.
The case was heard by Justice Muhammad Asif following a petition seeking implementation of the Supreme Court’s directions regarding the interchange.
During the hearing, officials from the Planning Ministry informed the court that Rs100 million had already been released under an earlier order. They requested more time to arrange the remaining amount and proposed that the funds be released by the second quarter.
Rs1.7 billion still required
The petitioner’s counsel told the court that the project still required approximately Rs1.7 billion and urged the authorities to release payments to the contractor.
The lawyer said the contractor had already completed work worth around Rs350 million using its own resources while waiting for the required government funding.
The court observed that the contractor needed to be paid because construction could not move forward without the release of funds.
The case has faced repeated delays despite earlier directions for completion within the prescribed period. The continued wait for funding has affected progress on the interchange.
Planning authorities give assurance
During the hearing, the Additional Secretary for Planning assured the court that approval would be granted within 15 days.
The Assistant Attorney General requested additional time on behalf of the federal government. The court accepted the request but directed the relevant authorities to arrange the required funds within one month.
The hearing was adjourned until the following month.
Funding delay holds back road connectivity
The Bhong Interchange is planned on the M-5 motorway and is intended to improve road access for the surrounding area in southern Punjab.
The continuing funding delay highlights the importance of timely budget releases for public infrastructure projects. Even when construction work has progressed, a shortage of funds can prevent contractors from continuing and delay the benefits expected by road users.
The next steps will depend on whether the relevant ministries meet the court’s deadline and ensure that the outstanding funding is arranged.
