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 the N-45 Chakdara-Chitral Road (Kalkatak-Chitral section) until complete documentation is submitted and reviewed.
The committee said all required material, including feasibility reports and project maps, must be provided before the process can proceed.
According to a press release, the committee received a detailed briefing on the road’s improvement and widening project, along with updates on the tendering process.
Members expressed strong reservations over discrepancies in the data presented and said the information was incomplete and not relevant.
The committee also reviewed major development initiatives in the communications, energy, and urban sectors and raised concerns over transparency, governance, and project oversight.
Officials informed the committee that the position of NHA General Manager (P&CA) is currently vacant following the transfer of the previous officer.
The committee chairman recommended that the EAD establish a monitoring desk to oversee the tendering process and reduce the risk of irregularities. He also proposed including EAD representatives in the tendering process and suggested covering their TA/DA expenses.