ISLAMABAD; The Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, led by Senator Quratulain Marri, convened in Islamabad to evaluate the progress of the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway (M-6) and examine Pakistan’s port charges in comparison to regional competitors.
The session highlighted critical gaps in project execution, concerns over neglect of Balochistan in major infrastructure plans, and Pakistan’s higher port costs that hamper trade competitiveness
The Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, chaired by Senator Quratulain Marri, met in Islamabad to assess the status of the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway (M-6) and review port charges compared to regional competitors. The meeting was attended by Senators Jam Saifullah Khan, Shahadat Awan, Saadia Abbasi, and Manzoor Ahmed.
Officials from the Ministry of Planning informed the Committee that the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2025–26 included 55 projects yet to be approved. Of these, 36 fall under the CDWP/ECNEC process, while 19 are with the DDWP. The Additional Secretary explained that after five CDWP meetings, only seven projects—costing Rs481.9 billion—were forwarded to ECNEC, mostly targeting road rehabilitation, including the crucial 210-kilometer N-5 (G.T. Road) stretch between Karachi and Hyderabad.
Senator Marri criticized the inefficient practice of executing development schemes in fragmented phases, urging that priority projects be completed in a single cycle. She underscored the urgent need to start work on the N-5 and questioned the presence of two toll plazas between Matiari and Hyderabad, directing officials to submit a report on the issue.
Senator Saadia Abbasi raised concerns over CDWP’s approval of projects such as the Iqbal National Monument and Library, the Agriculture Research Institute in Sheikhupura, and others, pointing out duplication of agricultural initiatives within Punjab. The Committee suggested relocating one to another province to ensure balanced development.
Updating on the M-6 Motorway, NHA officials said land acquisition would be finalized within two to three months, with physical work slated to begin by March 2026. However, Senator Manzoor Ahmed expressed disappointment over Balochistan’s consistent exclusion from major motorway projects.
Senator Marri directed the Ministry and NHA to present a detailed report on projects planned for Balochistan in the next session, stressing that M-6 should take precedence over new ventures.
The Committee also heard a joint briefing by the Ministries of Planning and Maritime Affairs on port charges. It was revealed that fees at Gwadar Port are higher than at regional ports like Dubai’s Jebel Ali, with no incentives for shipping lines. The Planning Ministry cited security issues as a key obstacle, while Maritime Affairs proposed starting operations at Gwadar through a transit trade model.
Officials acknowledged Pakistan’s generally higher port charges. They highlighted severe logistical delays, noting that trucks can take up to 24 hours to access the Super Highway from Karachi Port. To address this, the Lyari Expressway project and the KPT-Pipri railway track were discussed.
Chairperson Marri urged creating a direct, shorter route between KPT and the Super Highway to improve logistics and cut costs.
