ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Communications on Monday expressed displeasure over what it observed as “inordinate” delay in construction of N-45 Nowshera-Chitral Highway.

The meeting was convened under the chairmanship of Senator Pervaiz Rashid, with key participation from senators Muhammad Talha Mahmood, Muhammad Abdul Qadir, Jam Saifullah, Dost Ali Jeesar, Palwasha Mohammadzai, Kamil Ali Agha and Asad Qasim.

The committee conducted a comprehensive review of national highway and infrastructure projects, financial allocations, road safety, tolling operations, and maintenance frameworks managed by the National Highway Authority (NHA).

During the proceedings, Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood raised grave concerns regarding the persistent delay and funding constraints for the N-45 highway, emphasizing that local populations are facing immense hardships.

The secretary of communications and NHA chairman briefed the committee that an agreement was reached to construct a 48-kilometre section under a bank partnership model, highlighting that this key route serves as a crucial entry corridor to Chitral and that the authority remained committed to its completion.

Addressing the status of the bank deal, the officials indicated that bid concurrence was currently awaited. The committee expressed serious concern over the extended timeline, noting that if bank procedures take over a year, reservations arise regarding the institution’s ability to execute the project efficiently.

The chairman of the committee directed the secretary of communications and chairman NHA to coordinate directly with the Korean ambassador to address all remaining concerns, with progress to be reported back in the next meeting.

Further discussion on northern routes focused on the Mastuj-Broghil road project, where Senator Talha highlighted the severe plight of local communities, pointing out that due to poor road conditions, a 145-kilometre journey now takes 14 to 15 hours.

Published in Dawn, October 6th, 2026