NA panel flags M-6 delays, seeks NHA briefing on project timeline

September 29, 2026 (MLN): The National Assembly Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives has raised concerns over delays in the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway (M-6), seeking a detailed briefing from the National Highway Authority (NHA) and the relevant minister on the project's implementation timeline.

The committee, chaired by MNA Syed Abdul Qadir Gillani, reviewed progress on M-6, selected Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) projects, the ML-1 upgradation project, NHA schemes and Karachi infrastructure, according to a National Assembly Secretariat release.

During the briefing on M-6, the committee was informed that the motorway comprises five sections and that implementation has been affected by recent litigation.

Groundbreaking of the project is expected to commence from the Sukkur side, while approvals for the Hyderabad section under the public-private partnership (PPP) mode are still awaited.

Members expressed concern over repeated delays and sought clarity on the project's implementation schedule. The committee decided to call the NHA chairman and the minister concerned to a subsequent meeting for a detailed briefing.

Several N-5 sections yet to start

The committee also reviewed Sindh-based NHA projects included in the current PSDP, particularly rehabilitation and improvement works on National Highway N-5.

The Moro-Ranipur section, being rehabilitated under an Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded Flood Emergency Loan, is currently under implementation and is targeted for completion by June 2027.

However, work on the Hala-Moro section under the Sectional Rehabilitation of N-5 project, being carried out through Chinese grant assistance, has yet to commence.

Similarly, the Ranipur-Sukkur section under the Widening and Improvement of Priority Sections of N-5 (Phase-I), financed by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), has not started, with land procurement still underway.

Committee members raised concerns over the condition and quality of road infrastructure and sought greater clarity over the information presented by the relevant authorities.

The committee deferred further consideration and called for a section-wise briefing supported by photographs. It also asked provincial representatives to participate in future briefings on projects falling under their respective jurisdictions.

Karachi infrastructure projects reviewed

The committee also examined the issue of toll charges on the Lyari Expressway, with members raising concerns over the impact of higher tolls on daily commuters and road safety.

The committee sought clarification on the basis for the toll charges and discussed measures to reduce the financial burden on commuters.

Updates were also sought on the Dera Murad Jamali Bypass on N-25 and the Mian Channu-Kamalia Road. Members noted that the latter was not included in the current PSDP.

The committee further sought region-wise details of PSDP allocations to assess the distribution of development resources.

TP-5 land issue remains unresolved

Treatment Plant-5 (TP-5) of the Greater Karachi Sewerage Project (S-3) also came under discussion.

The committee was informed that around 64 acres of land proposed for the project are covered by 'sanads' issued by the Sindh government to various persons, creating an issue that requires resolution.

A high-level meeting with the Sindh government has been proposed to discuss the matter.

The committee recommended that Karachi Port Trust (KPT) provide its consultant's findings in writing regarding the justification and requirement for the substantial land area proposed for TP-5.

It also recommended reviewing and reassessing the project against current requirements and technological developments, noting that the scheme was conceived some time ago.

ML-1 financing, timeline discussed

The ML-1 Upgradation Project was also reviewed, with the Railways Division briefing the committee on its financing arrangements.

The division informed the committee that financing for the project was expected from the ADB. The committee sought further details on the proposed implementation timeline and expected groundbreaking.

The meeting was attended by MNAs Naz Baloch and Farhan Chishti, while Ahmad Raza Maneka and Izbal Zehri participated through video link, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Planning, NHA, KPT and the Railways Division.

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