The National Assembly Standing Committee on Communications has instructed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to promptly address road closures and worsening traffic congestion caused by ongoing repair and maintenance work on national highways. The directive came during a meeting chaired by Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, where members expressed concern over public inconvenience from blocked lanes and bottlenecks near toll plazas.
The committee emphasized that all lanes at toll plazas must remain open to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow. It further warned that authorities should take strict action, including contract cancellations, against toll operators found violating prescribed standard operating procedures.
NHA Chief Executive Capt Asadullah Khan (Retd) briefed the committee on the authority’s financial constraints, noting that ongoing development schemes worth Rs3.4 trillion have limited space for new projects in the upcoming financial year. He added that the “throw forward” of existing schemes into FY2026-27 stands at Rs2.7 trillion, including the USD 1.8 billion M-6 Sukkur to Hyderabad Motorway.
Furthermore, the committee raised concerns about delays in submitting Public Sector Development Programme proposals and requested clarification regarding reports labeling the NHA as the largest loss-making state-owned enterprise. Members asked the authority to present a detailed financial briefing at the next meeting to provide transparency on expenditures, allocations, and project progress.
The committee stressed that addressing traffic bottlenecks and ensuring operational efficiency at toll plazas must remain a priority alongside long-term development plans. Members highlighted the need for accountability in project execution and adherence to standard operating procedures to avoid public inconvenience while continuing critical infrastructure work.
