ISLAMABAD -UNS:The meeting of Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, chaired by Senator Quratulain Marri, convened on Friday, in Islamabad to review the status of the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway (M-6) and assess a comparative analysis of port charges in the region.
The meeting was attended by Senators Jam Saifullah Khan, Shahadat Awan, Saadia Abbasi, and Manzoor Ahmed.
The Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives informed the Committee about 55 unapproved projects included in the PSDP 2025–26. Of these, 36 pertain to the Central Development Working Party (CDWP)/Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), while 19 are under the Divisional Development Working Party (DDWP).
The Additional Secretary informed the Committee that following five consecutive meetings, CDWP had recommended only seven projects to ECNEC, costing Rs481.964 billion. These projects largely focus on rehabilitating and expanding existing road infrastructure, including the 210-kilometer stretch of N-5 (G.T. Road) between Karachi and Hyderabad.
Senator Quratulain Marri emphasized the inefficiency of executing development projects in fragmented phases, urging that projects be completed in a single execution cycle based on priority needs. She underscored the strategic significance of the N-5 and called for its immediate commencement. Expressing concern over two operational toll plazas between Matiari and Hyderabad, she directed officials to investigate the matter and submit a report.
Senator Saadia Abbasi raised strong objections to several CDWP-approved projects, including the Iqbal National Monument and Library Complex (Islamabad), the Agriculture Research Institute (Sheikhupura), the National Cultural Heritage Institute of Pakistan, and the Speed Breeding Platform for developing climate-resilient crop hybrids. The Committee expressed concern over the duplication of agricultural projects in the same province and recommended the transfer of one to another province to ensure equitable development.
Providing an update on the M-6 Motorway, NHA officials informed the Committee that land acquisition is underway and expected to be completed within the next two to three months. In response to a query by the Chairperson, it was confirmed that physical work at the site would begin in March, 2026.
Senator Manzoor Ahmed expressed serious concern over the continued exclusion of Baluchistan from major motorway projects. The Chairperson directed the Ministry and NHA to present a detailed report on ongoing and planned projects for Baluchistan at the next meeting.
The Chairperson endorsed the views of the Committee members and reiterated that the M-6 project should be prioritized over any new project launches.
The Committee also received a joint briefing by the Ministries of Planning and Maritime Affairs on port charges. It was revealed that charges at Gwadar Port exceed those of regional ports such as Jebel Ali in Dubai, and no incentives are currently provided to shipping lines. Responding to a question, the Planning Ministry cited persistent security threats as the primary reason for Gwadar Port’s limited progress.
The Maritime Affairs Ministry proposed a phased approach to operationalize Gwadar Port, beginning with a transit trade model. Another reason was identified as the lack of private sector interest in the port.
Officials further confirmed that port charges in Pakistan are generally higher than those in the region. It was noted that current rates at Karachi Port Trust (KPT) are lower than those in 1994. Wet charges comprise only 5% of total charges. Connectivity challenges were also discussed, particularly the delay faced by trucks accessing the Super Highway from KPT, which can take up to 24 hours, significantly impacting logistics and costs.
The Committee was informed that work on an elevated Lyari Expressway is in progress to directly link the port. The KPT-Pipri railway track project was also highlighted, although it requires additional attention and funding.
Chairperson Marri acknowledged the efforts of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and recommended the construction of a dedicated and shorter route between KPT and the Super Highway to improve connectivity and reduce transport time.
