US$3.96 billion Punjab projects under Senate watch over delays and procurement failures  

A Senate committee raised serious concerns over delays in Punjab’s foreign funded development projects worth around US$3.96 billion,

Islamabad: A Senate committee raised serious concerns over delays in Punjab’s foreign funded development projects worth around US$3.96 billion, questioning procurement problems, slow implementation, land acquisition issues, and a lack of clear responsibility for setbacks. Lawmakers demanded detailed reports and stronger monitoring to ensure public money and international loans deliver results.

The Senate Sub Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi, reviewed the progress of Punjab’s foreign-funded projects and raised concerns over delayed execution, repeated procurement issues, and the need to identify officials responsible for unnecessary setbacks. Officials from the Punjab government informed the committee that the province is currently implementing 26 foreign funded projects with an estimated loan portfolio of around US$3.96 billion. However, lawmakers were told that 10 projects experienced delays, while four projects have been completed and others remain under different stages of implementation.

The committee questioned why projects involving international loans continue to face slow progress and whether proper planning occurred before launching these schemes. Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi demanded complete details about the reasons behind delays, procurement revisions, and the officials involved in decision-making. He stressed that whenever a public project faces unnecessary delays, responsibility must be clearly identified to restore public confidence.

During the briefing, officials highlighted procurement challenges as a major reason for delays, especially in projects supported through bilateral agreements. A water resources project funded through Danish assistance was discussed in detail. Officials explained that the project required international tendering, technical evaluation, and approval procedures before construction could begin. The project also went through a rebidding process after the initial procurement stage, causing further delays.

Officials informed the committee that construction work has now started and the project is expected to be completed by November 2028. The committee questioned why procurement procedures repeatedly create delays and directed authorities to provide complete records showing how decisions were made at every stage.

The committee also reviewed a major French funded water resources project in Faisalabad aimed at improving canal water management and ensuring safer water availability for surrounding communities. Officials informed lawmakers that land acquisition problems significantly affected the project timeline. They added that laboratories would also be established under the project to test canal water quality, especially in rural areas where many communities depend on canal water for daily use.

Members stressed that delays in essential water projects directly affect citizens and require faster solutions. The committee also examined the UNESCO supported Lahore Fort Conservation and Heritage Restoration Project, which the Aga Khan Trust for Culture is carrying out. Officials informed the committee that the project covers more than 30 heritage structures, including restoration work on important historical sites such as the Sheesh Mahal and other Mughal-era buildings.

Officials said restoration activities have already helped increase visitors to Lahore Fort, with annual visitors rising from approximately 2 million to 5 million over the past five years. The committee was informed that restoration work follows traditional conservation methods to protect historical authenticity. Archaeological excavations have also uncovered old artefacts, including Chinese ceramics and other historical items linked to Lahore’s past. The project is expected to be completed by 2029, subject to further archaeological discoveries and preservation requirements.

During discussions on heritage tourism, the committee raised concerns over limited parking facilities around Lahore Fort and nearby historical areas. Officials informed members that an underground parking proposal was not approved, but alternative parking facilities have been arranged about 1.5 kilometres away with shuttle services planned. The committee suggested better parking management, improved traffic control, and clearer directions for visitors.

The committee also reviewed the Jalalpur Irrigation Project and questioned why land acquisition issues were not resolved before implementation started. Officials explained that acquiring land from different government departments, including Pakistan Railways, along with utility shifting issues, caused delays. They informed the committee that reforms introduced by the Planning and Development Department reduced approval timelines from nearly two years to around three months.

At the conclusion of discussions on Punjab projects, the committee directed all executing agencies to submit detailed reports within one week. These reports must include project progress, inspection records, reasons for delays, procurement problems, land issues, and future completion plans.

Senator Rubina Khalid stressed that government monitoring should not depend only on official paperwork. She called for independent evaluations and physical inspections to ensure that reports reflect actual conditions on the ground. The committee emphasized that genuine technical challenges should be separated from administrative negligence and warned that unnecessary delays increase financial pressure on the government and taxpayers.

Officials from the Ministry of Economic Affairs informed the committee that monthly review meetings and a Smart Monitoring Dashboard are being used to track project progress. However, lawmakers stressed that digital monitoring must be supported by real field inspections.