The Senate Standing Committee on Communications under Senator Pervez Rashid on Wednesday reviewed the Ministry of Communications’ Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) projects for 2025-26, including updates on the M-6 and M-9 motorways.
The National Highway Authority (NHA)Chairman disclosed a fraud involving land acquisition funds for the M-6, stating that a Deputy Commissioner misappropriated Rs. 5.7 million, of which Rs. 3.2 million has been recovered. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) is investigating the case. Senator Pervez Rashid called it a unique instance of government funds being taken by a Deputy Commissioner.
NHA reported that 105 projects worth over Rs. 240 billion are underway, with Rs. 56 billion already released. A global consultant has suggested dividing the Hyderabad-Sukkur M-6 into five sections, with the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) expected to invest in three. Discussions with Azerbaijan are ongoing regarding alternative routes for the M-6 and M-9.
Senator Maulana Abdul Wasey urged faster progress on the D.I. Khan-Kuchlak-Zhob highway, but the NHA cited security concerns.
The committee also emphasized priority projects, including the M-25 and M-28 motorways in Balochistan, the M-6 in Sindh, and the Dasu Dam section of the Karakoram Highway in Gilgit-Baltistan.