• Seeks mechanism to avoid simultaneous execution of multiple schemes
• Another panel told of $40m annual corruption in KPT container clearance

ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary committee on Monday expressed concern over delays in the execution of road infrastructure projects across the country and urged the formulation of a mechanism to avoid the simultaneous execution of multiple projects.

A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Communications, headed by Pervaiz Rashid, suggested that initiating and completing projects one at a time would help prevent cost escalation and ensure timely completion.

It further recommended consultation with the Planning Commission in devising such a mechanism.

The committee chairman directed that clear responsibility be fixed for project delays and that escalation costs be borne by those responsible.

The committee reviewed the budgetary allocations and releases for the current financial year and examined the proposed budget for the next financial year. It was informed that a major portion of the National Highway Authority (NHA) budget consists of PSDP-funded projects.

Senator Jam Saifullah Khan emphasised that the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway should be treated as a priority project and directed that progress updates be presented at every committee meeting.

The Senate body also discussed issues related to the dilapidated condition of roads raised during Senate proceedings, received a briefing on ongoing NHA projects, and reviewed the implementation status of the approved Escalation Price Adjustment Formula.

The committee also discussed issues concerning the deteriorating condition of motorways and the Lowari Tunnel. Serious concerns were raised regarding safety, ventilation and quality standards, particularly in view of the strategic importance of the tunnel.

The committee was also briefed on the progress of the Chakdara-Chitral and Gilgit-Shandur road projects.

The Senate body received a briefing on the implementation of the PM-approved Escalation Price Adjustment Formula for ongoing projects. The committee noted that delays in the implementation of the formula could further increase contractors’ claims and termed such delays contrary to the prime minister’s directives.

The chairman directed the NHA chief to address the matter promptly and sub­­mit quarterly progress reports to the committee.

Corruption at KPT

Meanwhile, the Senate Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs on Monday observed that annual corruption worth $40 million has been reported through various sources at the Karachi Port Trust (KPT), mainly linked with container clearance.

Chairman of the committee, Senator Faisal Vawda, stressed the need to vacate encroached land.

“We have received information that 239 containers are delayed at the Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT), mainly due to customs delays, and it is estimated that corruption worth approximately $40m annually is linked to container clearance,” he said. He added that informants have alleged that Rs112,000 in bribes is taken per container.

The committee directed the KICT to clear the backlog and eliminate corruption.

Senator Vawda also raised concerns regarding the Fisheries Harbour Authority, stating that transparency is lacking and significant land mismanagement has taken place at Korangi Fisheries.

Senator Rubina Qaim Khani pointed out that the KPT faces dwell time issues in container clearance.

Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar told the committee that it is not possible to eliminate all systemic issues at once, but the ministry is adopting a step-by-step approach.

Kalbe Ali also contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, February 10th, 2026