ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Communications on Friday advised the ministry of communications not to initiate tenders for new schemes unless funds are secured.

This precaution is intended to prevent the commencement of projects that could face financial setbacks or delays due to a lack of resources.

The committee at a meeting urged the ministry to coordinate with the district police to enhance enforcement given that the motorway police were currently operating with a 52 per cent shortage in human resources.

The meeting of committee was chaired by MNA Mir Shabbir Ali Bijarani and attended by MNAs Sardar Mohammad Yaqoob Khan Nasar, Haji Jamal Shah Kakar, Akhtar Bibi, Dr Darshan, Syed Ayaz Ali Shah Sheerazi, Nazir Ahmed Bhugio, Syed Mustafa Kamal, Mehboob Shah, Abdul Latif and Hameed Hussain.

NA committee asks officials to submit budgetary proposals for PSDP 2025-26 by Jan 3

The committee reviewed the ministry’s responses to previous recommendations, focusing on key infrastructure projects aimed at improving national connectivity and road safety. It discussed the issues of Khairpur-Larkana Bridge, congestion on the Hyderabad-Karachi road and the need for pedestrian bridges at Kathore and Maymar Mor.

Progress on bypasses, including Loralai and Zhob, and Nokundi-Maskheal road, Chitral-Chakdara road and the Pindikheb to Khushalgarh Package 1 also came under discussion.

Additional discussions were held on Lowari Tunnel N-45 north approach road, Chitral-Shandur, Chitral-Kalkatak roads and M-1 Indus River service area.

The committee emphasised the importance of completing these projects on time to enhance connectivity, alleviate traffic congestion and improve public safety.

In accordance with the rules of procedure and conduct of business in the National Assembly 2007, the ministry was asked to submit its budgetary proposals for the Public Sector Development Programme of the financial year 2025-26 to the committee by January 31 for review and proposed amendments.

The committee recommended to the ministry to prioritise a smaller number of schemes to mitigate the risks of financial losses, cost overruns and delays, particularly those caused by non-payment to the contractors. It was also suggested that in the next meeting the ministry present a proposal for the ongoing schemes, ranking them in order of priority.

The committee emphasised the need to streamline the process and proposed legislation to shorten the duration of projects.

Furthermore, the committee stressed the need for strict enforcement of regulations against overloaded vehicles on motorways, adding such vehicles be blacklisted for repeated violations to prevent damage to road infrastructure. To support this, it advised the ministry to draft bylaws that the committee could present to parliament for approval.The member of the National Highway Authority (NHA) from Balochistan was directed to present a detailed report on all ongoing and proposed schemes in the province at the next meeting. The report should include the reasons for any delays or pending projects along with the plans for incorporating these schemes into the upcoming financial year’s Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).

The committee emphasised the importance of addressing these issues promptly to ensure the timely completion of crucial infrastructure projects in Balochistan and their proper inclusion in the next fiscal cycle.

Published in Dawn, January 4th, 2025