HYDERABAD: Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry (HCSTSI) president Mohammad Saleem Memon has described persistent delay in the construction of Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway (M-6) as a major hurdle in economic progress.

He emphasised that the project was not merely a road construction initiative but a national economic lifeline that held immense importance for trade facilitation and regional development.

In an official communication here on Tuesday, he said the HCSTSI had sent urgent letters to the prime minister, federal minister for communications, National Highway Authority (NHA) chairman and federal minister for planning, development & special initiatives to demand immediate resumption of work and completion of M-6 motorway.

A letter had also been sent to the Sindh chief minister, urging the provincial government to put pressure on the federal authorities to expedite that long-overdue project, he added.

He said the Karachi–Peshawar Motorway was the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and M-6 was its missing link. Karachi handled over 60pc of Pakistan’s exports and imports and the delay in M-6 completion was causing enormous losses to the business community through increased transport costs, trade inefficiencies and rising rates due to accidents.

He stated that the motorway was not just a route but a lifeline for the industrial, agricultural and commercial sectors, connecting the critical economic hubs such as Hyderabad, Matiari, Nawabshah, Khairpur and Sukkur.

He pointed out that at present all cargo and passenger traffic were congested on the overburdened National Highway (N-5) which had become increasingly accident-prone and unsafe. “Completion of M-6 will significantly reduce travel time and fuel consumption, improve road safety and strengthen Pakistan’s position in global trade networks,” he added.

He drew attention towards negative impact of delays in M-6 on the progress of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which was aimed at transforming Pakistan into a regional trade hub.

“If Pakistan is serious about realising the vision of CPEC, M-6 must be completed without delay,” he asserted.

He urged the federal government to allocate funds on a priority basis for the project and in the face of budgetary limitations, it should consider Public-Private Partne­rship (PPP) models for investment to avoid further setbacks.

He criticised the deteriorating condition and substandard construction of existing Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway (M-9) despite being one of NHA’s highest toll-generating roads. “Millions of vehicles use this route daily and its current condition not only disrupts traffic flow, but poses serious safety hazards. It must be reconstructed in line with the international motorway standards to ensure a safe and efficient travel experience for citizens and businessmen alike.”

Published in Dawn, April 9th, 2025