Islamabad -UNS: The Senate Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and States and Frontier Regions met today at Parliament House under the chairmanship of Senator Asad Qasim to review matters relating to the rehabilitation and improvement of road networks in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), as well as financial and administrative matters concerning the GB Council.
The Chairman expressed concern over the non-submission of reports sought from the Ministry, including the latest Audit Report, despite repeated requests. He directed the concerned officials to ensure timely submission of all required reports, warning that action would be taken in case of non-compliance.
The officials assured the Committee of their full cooperation and respect for the Senate and its members, and assured that the required reports would be submitted in a timely manner.
The Committee was briefed by the National Highway Authority (NHA) and officials of the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan & SAFRON on plans for rehabilitation of road networks following recent floods, improvement of road infrastructure to promote tourism, and the funds allocated for road networks in GB and AJK, along with their disbursement status.
The officials informed the Committee that GB has approximately 6,750 km of metalled and shingle roads and around 700 bridges. The Committee was apprised of damage caused to roads and bridges by cloudbursts, landslides and GLOFs. It was stated that a bridge, designed for a lifespan of 100 years, was damaged within three years due to a cloudburst, while bridges provided by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) were intended for emergency purposes.
The Committee was informed that rehabilitation works are planned on KKH (N-35), MNJC (N-15) and Jaglot-Skardu Road (S-1), including slide shelters and protection measures at vulnerable locations. Recent flood damages to bridges and roads were also highlighted, with restoration works under process.
The Committee was further briefed on the 216-km Gilgit-Shandur Road (N-140), with physical progress on its three packages ranging from 65 to 71 percent and targeted completion by December 2026. For tourism promotion, the proposed federalization of key tourist roads in GB, including Astore–Chilim Chowki, Deosai–Skardu, Skardu–Shigar and Naltar–Satrangi, was highlighted. Construction of roads through PSDP and procurement of road-making machinery under the IFAD initiative were also discussed.
Moreover, the Committee was informed that landsliding had occurred in Palupa and that work would commence after finalization of the design. The officials stated that the required funding could not be secured through the PSDP, therefore, the NHA would undertake the work through its own resources.
Furthermore, the Chairman directed the concerned officials to look into more permanent and reliable solutions for bridges, particularly in areas vulnerable to floods and landslides.
The Committee also discussed the allocation and utilization of funds for development projects and sought clarification on the mechanism for determining investment priorities. Senator Saleem emphasized that ongoing projects should be completed before initiating new projects.
Additionally, the Government of Pakistan is currently providing an annual maintenance allowance totaling Rs. 40,935,600 to former rulers, successors, and dependents of acceding States.
The major beneficiaries include the Ameer of Bahawalpur and the Nawab of Junagadh, each receiving Rs. 12,000,000 annually, followed by the Mir of Khairpur and the Khan of Manavadar with Rs. 8,400,000 each. Other recipients include dependents of the former Nawabs of Dir, Makran and the Khan of Kalat, notables of Chitral, and the Sheikh Sahib of Mangrol, with allowances ranging from Rs. 9,000 to Rs. 75,600.
These payments are being disbursed through two channels: Rs. 20,460,000 via KA, GB & SAFRON and Rs. 20,475,600 through the Finance Division.
