Rs20bn proposed for M-6 project under PSDP

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives has proposed an allocation of PKR 20 billion for the Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway (M-6) project under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2026–27, against a requirement of PKR 70 billion.

Secretary of the Planning and Development Division stated this in a joint meeting of the Senate Standing Committees on Communication and Planning, Development and Special Initiatives. The chairpersons of both committees, Senator Pervaiz Rashid and Qurat-Ul-Ain Marri, chaired the meeting. He said that the project’s funding requirement stands at PKR 70 billion. He stated that the final allocation would be determined after further deliberations.

Members expressed serious concern over the slow pace of progress and inadequate funding for the project. Senator Shahadat Awan noted that the 306-kilometre M-6 segment remains the only missing portion of the 1,522-kilometre Peshawar-Karachi motorway corridor.

He observed that the current funding pattern could significantly delay the project’s completion.

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Chairman of the National Highway Authority (NHA) informed the Committee that the project has been divided into five segments for implementation under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and that the required land acquisition has already been completed.

The Committee was informed that financing discussions with international partners, including the Islamic Development Bank, OPEC Fund, and interested Saudi investors, are underway to support the project’s implementation.

Senator Pervaiz Rasheed appreciated the Committee’s initiative in taking up the long-pending M-6 project, describing it as a critical missing link in Pakistan’s motorway network.

Several members criticised the absence of the Minister concerned and recorded their protest, emphasizing the importance of ministerial oversight for the timely execution of the project.

Members also raised concerns regarding the condition of road infrastructure in Balochistan, particularly the Quetta-Dera Ismail Khan, Gwadar-Karachi, and N-25 corridors. The Committee stressed the need to prioritize these projects due to their strategic and economic significance.

Senator Abdul Qadir highlighted the issue of insufficient annual allocations for major infrastructure projects, which often result in prolonged completion timelines. He urged the government to ensure the timely release of funds and payments to contractors.

Senator Talha Mahmood drew the Committee’s attention to the deteriorating road infrastructure across the Chitral region and stressed the need for urgent rehabilitation and development measures. The Committee also discussed the proposed 286-kilometre Gilgit–Shandur road project, which is envisaged as an alternative route to the Karakoram Highway (KKH). Secretary Communications informed the Committee that the Ministry is actively pursuing the project to improve regional connectivity and provide an alternate transportation corridor for the public.

The Committee recommended that priority be given to the completion of ongoing projects before initiating new schemes. It further recommended that the full requirement of PKR 70 billion be allocated for the M-6 project and directed that these recommendations be conveyed to the National Economic Council (NEC).

The Chair directed the Chairman, NHA, to fulfill his commitment regarding the commencement of M-6 project segments by September and November 2026. The Committee also recommended that the N-8 highway project be accorded priority in funding allocations. Furthermore, it emphasised that development projects should only be initiated after ensuring adequate financial resources for their completion.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026