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Standing Committee on Communications meets

Tuesday, 24th February, 2026

The Standing Committee on Communications convened its 17th meeting on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, at 2:00 PM in the Old PIPS Hall, Parliament Lodges, Islamabad. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, Member of the National Assembly (MNA).

The proceedings commenced with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, following which the Committee confirmed the minutes of its 16th meeting. The Chairman apprised the Members of the reasons for the absence of the Secretary, Ministry of Communications, from the previous meeting without prior intimation. After due deliberation, the Committee resolved, on this occasion, not to initiate any action against the Secretary under the relevant rules.

While taking up Agenda Item III concerning the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) schemes for the Financial Year 2026–2027, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Highway Authority (NHA) informed the Committee that the PSDP proposals had yet to be compiled. The Committee expressed serious concern over the delay. Members emphasized that, in terms of Rule 201 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007, each Ministry is required to submit its PSDP budgetary proposals for the forthcoming financial year to the relevant Standing Committee no later than 31 January annually. The Standing Committee is then mandated to examine the proposals and submit its recommendations by 1 March. The Rule further provides that if recommendations are not made within the stipulated timeframe, the proposals shall be deemed to have been approved.

It was noted with concern that two reminder letters had been issued to the Ministry in January 2026 to ensure compliance with the statutory deadline; however, no response was received and the proposals were not submitted within the prescribed period. The CEO, NHA, acknowledged the delay and assured the Committee that the PSDP proposals would be presented on 2 March 2026. He further assured that the Committee’s recommendations would be duly incorporated into the proposed schemes and admitted that the delay was attributable to the Authority.

With regard to the Private Member Bill titled “Toll Plaza Rationalization and Equity Bill, 2025,” the Committee directed the Ministry to attend the next meeting with a comprehensive clause-by-clause justification outlining the reasons for its non-endorsement of the Bill, so that the matter may be considered in detail and disposed of appropriately. The Committee also advised that, prior to the next meeting, the Honorable Mover of the Bill and representatives of the Ministry of Law and Justice and the Ministry of Communications should hold a consultative meeting to deliberate upon the contentious provisions and endeavor to reach a consensus.

Furthermore, the Committee directed the NHA to immediately resolve the issue of road closures and traffic congestion resulting from the repair and maintenance works. It emphasized that all lanes at toll plazas must remain open to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow and minimize inconvenience to the public. The Committee cautioned that, where toll plaza operators are found in violation of the prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), strict action, including cancellation of contracts, should be taken.

The Committee also sought clarification from the NHA regarding a Ministry of Finance report highlighted in the media, which characterized the NHA as the largest loss-making state-owned enterprise in Pakistan. A detailed briefing on the Authority’s financial position and its response to the report was asked.

An update was likewise obtained on the M-6 Motorway project, including its anticipated date of commencement, projected completion timeline, and the proposed sources of financing.

The meeting was attended by the Honorable Members of the Standing Committee, namely Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan Nasar, Mr. Muhammad Bilal Badar, Ms. Akhtar Bibi, Mr. Nazir Ahmed Bhugio (via Zoom), Syed Hafeezuddin, Syed Ayaz Ali Shah Sheerazi, and Mr. Hameed Hussain, all MNAs.

In addition, Syed Abrar Ali Shah, MNA and Mover of the Private Member Bill, and Syed Rafiullah, MNA and Mover of a Starred Question, participated in the proceedings. Engr. Gul Asghar Khan, MNA and Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Communications, was also in attendance.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Communications, the Ministry of Law and Justice, and the Inspector General of Motorways and Highways Police, along with representatives of the relevant attached departments, were likewise present.