NA Committee emphasizes the need for strict enforcement of regulations against overloaded vehicles on motorways
ISLAMABAD, Jan 03 (SABAH): The 6th meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Communications was held on Friday at the Parliament House, Islamabad, chaired by Mir Shabbir Ali Bijarani, MNA.
During the meeting, the minutes of the previous two meetings were approved. The National Assembly Standing Committee on Communications reviewed the Ministry’s responses to previous recommendations, focusing on key infrastructure projects aimed at improving national connectivity and road safety. Key topics included the Khairpur-Larkana Bridge, congestion on the Hyderabad-Karachi Road, and the need for pedestrian bridges at Kathore and Maymar Mor. The Committee also discussed the progress of critical bypasses, including Loralai and Zhob, as well as roads such as the Nokundi-Maskheal Road, Chitral-Chakdara Road, and the Pindi Gap to Khushalgarh Package 1. Additional discussions covered the Lawari Tunnel N-45 North Pole approach road, roads connecting Chatral to Shandrul and Kalkat, and the M-1 Indus River Service Area. The Committee emphasized the importance of completing these projects on time to enhance connectivity, alleviate traffic congestion, and improve public safety.
In accordance with the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007, the Ministry was asked to submit its budgetary proposal for the PSDP of the upcoming financial year 2025-26 to the Committee by January 31, 2025, for review and proposed amendments.
The Standing Committee recommended that the Ministry prioritize a smaller number of schemes to mitigate the risks of financial losses, cost overruns, and delays, particularly those caused by non-payment to the contractors. It was also suggested that, in the next meeting, the Ministry to present a proposal for the ongoing schemes, ranking them in order of priority. The Committee emphasized the need to streamline the process and proposed legislation to shorten the duration of projects, as pursuing too many simultaneously has been found to impede the timely completion of any one scheme.
Additionally, the Ministry was strongly advised not to initiate tenders for new schemes unless the necessary funds are secured. This precaution is intended to prevent the commencement of projects that could face financial setbacks or delays due to a lack of the availability of resources, ensuring that only feasible and fully funded projects are taken up for the execution.
Furthermore, the Committee emphasized the need for strict enforcement of regulations against overloaded vehicles on motorways, urging that such vehicles be blacklisted for repeated violations to prevent further damage to road infrastructure. To support this, the Ministry was advised to draft bylaws that the Committee could present to Parliament for approval, ensuring that these violations are effectively addressed. Additionally, the Ministry was urged to coordinate with district police to enhance enforcement, given that the Motorway Police is currently operating with a 52 percent shortage in human resources. This collaborative effort aims to ensure better implementation of regulations, safeguard road safety, and maintain the integrity of motorway infrastructure.
The Member of the National Highway Authority (NHA) from Balochistan was directed to present a detailed report on all ongoing and proposed schemes in the province at the next meeting. This report should include the reasons for any delays or pending projects, along with the plans for incorporating these schemes into the upcoming financial year’s Public Sector Development Program (PSDP). The Committee emphasized the importance of addressing these issues promptly to ensure the timely completion of crucial infrastructure projects in Balochistan and to ensure their proper inclusion in the next fiscal cycle.
The meeting was attended by the Members of the Standing Committee, including Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan Nasar, MNA, Haji Jamal Shah Kakar, MNA, Ms. Akhtar Bibi, MNA, Dr. Darshan, MNA, Syed Ayaz Ali Shah Sheerazi, MNA, Nazir Ahmed Bhugio, MNA, Syed Mustafa Kamal, MNA, Mehboob Shah, MNA, Abdul Latif, MNA, and Hameed Hussain, MNA.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Communications and its affiliated departments were also present at the meeting.