M 6 Motorway completion at risk amid PSDP shortfall, Senators warn

joint session of the Senate Standing Committees on Communication and Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, lawmakers

Islamabad: A joint session of the Senate Standing Committees on Communication and Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, lawmakers raised serious concerns over the slow progress and inadequate funding for the 306 kilometre M 6 motorway, describing it as a critical missing link in Pakistan’s national motorway network. The meeting, chaired by Senator Pervaiz Rashid and Senator Qurat Ul Ain Marri, was attended by Senators Saadia Abbasi, Shahdat Awan, Manzoor Ahmed Kakar, Saifullah Abro, Jam Saifullah Khan, Dost Ali Jeesar, Muhammad Talha Mehmood, Muhammad Abul Qadir, Mir Dostain Khan Domki, Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, and Abdul Wasay.

Lawmakers expressed alarm that only Rs. 20 billion had been proposed for the M 6 project under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2026-27, while the total project requirement stands at Rs. 70 billion, warning that insufficient allocations could severely delay completion. Senator Shahdat Awan emphasized that the M-6 segment remains the only missing link in the 1,522 kilometre Peshawar Karachi motorway corridor, underscoring the strategic and economic significance of timely execution.

The Chairman of the National Highway Authority (NHA) briefed the Committee that the project has been divided into five segments for implementation under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, and land acquisition has already been completed. Nevertheless, several members criticized the absence of the concerned Minister, protesting that a lack of ministerial oversight could impede progress and accountability.

Financing discussions with international partners, including the Islamic Development Bank, OPEC Fund, and potential Saudi investors, are ongoing to ensure adequate funding for the project. The Committee also highlighted broader road infrastructure challenges in Balochistan, particularly along the Quetta Dera Ismail Khan, Gwadar Karachi, and N 25 corridors, stressing the need for prioritization due to their economic and strategic importance.

Senator Abdul Qadir flagged insufficient annual allocations for major infrastructure projects, citing prolonged completion timelines, and urged the government to ensure timely disbursement of funds and payments to contractors. Meanwhile, Senator Muhammad Talha Mehmood drew attention to deteriorating road conditions in the Chitral region, calling for urgent rehabilitation measures. The Committee also discussed the proposed 286 kilometre Gilgit Shandur road project, envisaged as an alternative route to the Karakoram Highway (KKH), with the Secretary Communications confirming active pursuit of the project to improve regional connectivity.

The Joint Committee recommended that priority be given to completing ongoing projects before initiating new schemes and called for the full Rs. 70 billion to be allocated for the M 6 project. Members directed the NHA to commence the M 6 segments by September and November 2026 and stressed that development projects should only begin once adequate financial resources are in place. The N 8 highway project was also recommended for priority funding.