ISLAMABAD: The National Highway Authority (NHA) is grappling with severe budgetary constraints as ongoing development schemes worth Rs3.4 trillion have left little room for new projects in the upcoming financial year. This was revealed by NHA Chief Executive Capt Asadullah Khan (Retd) during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Communications, chaired by MNA Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani. He explained that the “throw forward” of existing schemes into FY 2026–27 amounts to Rs 2.7 trillion, including the USD 1.8 billion foreign-funded M-6 Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway. Given these commitments, Khan admitted that initiating fresh development schemes would be extremely difficult under the current fiscal limitations. He informed the committee that the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) proposals had yet to be compiled. The committee expressed serious concern over the delay. Members emphasised 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 reminders 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 2nd 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 Rationalisation 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 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 endeavour 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 emphasised that all lanes at toll plazas must remain open to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow and minimise 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 characterised 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. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026