The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Communications on Thursday intensely questioned the National Highway Authority (NHA) over a recent toll increase and the structural integrity of a bridge on the M-9 Motorway, during its 12th meeting at Parliament House. Chaired by MNA Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, the committee expressed strong displeasure at the absence of the Communications Secretary, threatening disciplinary action for continued non-attendance.
Legislators criticized the NHA for implementing its third toll hike in a short period, alleging a breach of its own policy allowing revisions only every three years. The committee labeled the increase detrimental to the public and demanded a detailed justification from the NHA at its next session.
The Motorway Police Inspector General informed the committee about the decrease in highway accidents since the implementation of a law penalizing motorists exceeding 150 km/h. The committee decided to review this legislation, considering replacing criminal charges with increased penalties and potential license revocation, following consultations with political factions.
Responding to a Calling Attention Notice, the committee questioned the existence of two toll plazas within five kilometers on the M-9, contrary to the stipulated 35-kilometer minimum distance. The NHA attributed this to a major bridge situated at that point. However, the committee ordered a comprehensive report on all such instances, along with a thorough assessment, including visual documentation, of the bridge”s condition, to be presented at the next assembly. Committee representatives also recommended extending toll exemptions for Hyderabad citizens, similar to those enjoyed by Jamshoro residents, and requested a solution for the bridge’s deterioration.
The NHA updated the committee on the M-6 Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway endeavor, stating construction will commence in April 2026 with Islamic Development Bank funding. Land acquisition is projected to begin next month.
The integration of the Karachi Northern Bypass into the M-10 initiative was also announced, aimed at alleviating Karachi”s traffic congestion.
Finally, the committee decided to correspond with the Senate Standing Committee on Communications to access findings related to a contractor previously disqualified but later awarded a substantial Rs. 166 billion contract under the CAREC Tranche-III scheme. The NHA was directed to furnish an update on this matter. Several MNAs and officials from the Ministry of Communications and associated departments were present.