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ISLAMABAD: The work on the Sukkur-Hyderabad-Karachi Motorway project will start in the first quarter of 2026, as finances for three sections have been arranged, whereas discussions for the financing of the remaining two sections with international financial institutions are in the final stages. This was stated by an NHA official during the Senate Standing Committee meeting chaired by Senator Quratulain Marri. The Committee was also briefed by the National Highway Authority (NHA), Ministry of Economic Affairs, and the Public-Private Partnership Authority (P3A) on the status of the Sukkur–Hyderabad–Karachi Motorway (M-6). Officials informed the Committee that the revised PC-1 had been approved and that negotiations were underway with international financing partners, including the Saudi Fund for Development and the Islamic Development Bank. The Committee, while appreciating the milestones achieved, emphasized the need for the concerned departments to accelerate implementation and remove procedural bottlenecks to avoid further delays. The Committee reviewed the first-quarter authorisation and release of funds under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2025–26 and briefed on progress updates on key national projects. During the briefing by the Planning and Finance Divisions, the Committee noted that while approximately Rs 330 billion had been authorised by the second quarter, actual expenditure against the amount authorizations has remained low. The Committee expressed concern regarding the delays in the utilization and expenditure of allocated funds, terming them a major obstacle to the timely execution of projects. Both Divisions were directed to take up the matter with all concerned Ministries and Divisions to expedite the utilization of funds rather than waiting until the close of the financial year. While reviewing its earlier recommendations on the PSDP 2025–26, the Committee reaffirmed that schemes of the defunct Pak-PWD under the demands of the Ministries of Housing & Works and Finance Division from Sindh Province be transferred to the respective Provincial Governments in line with the principle of provincial autonomy. The Committee also supported the establishment of the Arshad Nadeem/Shehbaz Sharif High-Performance Sports Academy at the Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad, considering it a significant national initiative. The Chairperson highlighted that Arshad Nadeem is a generational talent who has brought great pride to the nation. It was emphasized that the development of this project is essential to motivate and inspire future generations to strive for similar excellence in representing the country. However, the Committee did not endorse the proposed Agriculture Research Institute, Sheikhupura, the Faiz Ahmed Faiz Complex, Narowal, and the Allama Iqbal Culture and Research Centre, Sialkot, observing that these projects were not required as similar institutions already exist. It was recommended that development expenditure be directed towards more pressing and innovative initiatives instead. The Committee also directed the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to maintain provincial balance in the formulation of new projects. The meeting was told that the HEC expedited 11 new projects in FY26, of which not a single project was initiated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Whereas 7 projects have been initiated in Punjab and two in Sindh. Among those who were present were Senators Saadia Abbasi, Jam Saifullah Khan, Shahadat Awan, Secretary for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, and senior officials from relevant departments. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
