ISLAMABAD: The Sen­ate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs on Monday directed the Ec­­o­nomic Affairs Division (EAD) and the National Hi­­gh­way Authority (NHA) to halt the tendering process for N-45 Chakdara-Chit­ral Road (Kalkatak-Chitral section) until complete documentation, including feasibility reports and project maps, is submitted and reviewed.

The body also reviewed major development initiatives in the communications, energy, and urban sectors and expressed “ser­­ious concerns over transparency, governance, and project oversight”.

According to a press release, the committee received a detailed briefing on the improvement and widening of the N-45 Chakdara-Chitral Road (Kalkatak-Chitral section), including updates on the tendering process. Mem­bers expressed strong reservations over discrepancies in the data presented, terming it incomplete and irrelevant.

The committee was inf­ormed that the position of NHA general manager (P&CA) is currently va­­cant after the posting out of the incumbent officer.

It said the chairman recommended that the Eco­n­omic Affairs Division (EAD) establish a desk to monitor and evaluate the tendering process to minimise the risk of irregularities. He also proposed the inclusion of EAD representatives in the tendering process to ensure transparency and suggested covering the TA/DA expenses of EAD members.

Published in Dawn, April 28th, 2026