ISLAMABAD: Referring to the recent Babusar Top incident, the Senate Standing Committee on Communications questioned the National Highway Authority (NHA) on Monday as to why it did not take preventive measures to stop tourists from entering the area despite being aware of the risks.
It also raised concerns over irrelevant postings, including MBBS/BDS doctors and officials from National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), whose qualifications did not align with NHA’s mandate.
During the committee meeting presided over by Senator Pervaiz Rashid, the members pointed out that on the motorways, if a vehicle was found over-speeding, the driver was immediately detained and the family was left behind, while in some cases rude behavior was reported from motorway officials. They questioned why similar strict actions could not be taken to stop tourists from heading towards hazardous areas like Babusar Top.
The committee directed that Motorway Police officials should be instructed to avoid misconduct with the public, with Chairman Senator Pervaiz Rashid recommending to summon the IG Motorway Police for a detailed briefing on the matter.
The committee sought a comprehensive list of 43 deputationists (BS-16 and above) serving in the National Institute of Health (NIH), including details such as names, designations, qualifications, parent departments, duration of deputation, and number of extensions granted. The NHA chairman informed that out of 20,900 employees, 43 were initially on deputation, and the number was now reduced to 39. A member termed the situation alarming, highlighting that as per court directives, deputation should not exceed three years, whereas several officers at NHA have exceeded this limit.
Concerns were also raised about irrelevant postings, including MBBS/BDS doctors and officials from NDMA, whose qualifications did not align with NHA’s mandate. The committee questioned as to why such non-competitive appointments were made instead of hiring professionals through a merit-based process. Following this, the committee chairman recommended that a detailed discussion will be held in the next meeting.
The committee was also told about the possibility of funds availability for the construction of the Sehwan Bypass under the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Programme Tranche-1 project. The NHA chairman informed that PC-I of the CAREC Tranche-1 project was approved by Executive Committee of National Economic Council (Ecnec) on 26th July 2017 at a cost of Rs21,041 million. Subsequently, the 1st revised PC-I was approved by Ecnec on 30th December 2024, with an updated cost of Rs29,966 million. For the fiscal year 2025-26, an allocation of Rs1,323 million has been made for the project being financed under the Asian Development Bank (ADB) loan amounting to USD 80 million, which was scheduled to close on 31st December this year.
The committee was told that M/s Dongil Engineering (Joint Venture), South Korea, had been engaged as the Design Review and Supervisory Consultant for the project. The committee was informed that Sehwan Bypass cannot be included in the ADB-funded CAREC Tranche-1 project, which was at the closing stage. The Revised PC-I had been approved with a completion date of 31st December 2025, and no additional scope could be accommodated.
It was noted that ADB’s approval and policy compliance would be required for any new works, while land acquisition funds were not available. With two sections completed and the third near completion, it was suggested that the Sehwan Bypass be taken up through a separate PC-I in the upcoming Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).
The committee was briefed by the NHA regarding the flood-affected portion of the Indus Highway during the Manchar Lake floods of 2022. It was informed that the segment had been restored as two-lane road.
A comprehensive briefing was also given to the committee on the current status of M-6 Motorway project. It was told that the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway (M-6) was a critical project and on top priority of the government and the NHA. It was highlighted that Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) had indicated financing of USD475 million for two sections (4 & 5). Request for allowing advance procurement had been discussed with the IsDB and formal approval was being processed.
The meeting was attended by senators Zamir Hussain Ghumro, Jam Saifullah Khan, Saifullah Abro, Dost Ali Jessar, Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, Kamil Ali Agha, Abdul Wasay and officials from the Ministry of Communications and relevant departments.
