Continued absence: Senate body issues stern warning to Secretary Communication

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives expressed serious concerns over the continued absence of the Secretary of Communication, warning that arrest warrants could be issued if he fails to appear in the next meeting.

The Committee met with Senator Quratulain Marri in the chair at the Parliament House on Thursday. The Committee discussed the current status of Sukkur-Hyderabad-Karachi Motor-ways and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The panel’s Chairperson said the committee was empowered to issue warrants, adding the Secretary’s repeated non-appearance was obstructing progress on key national infrastructure projects.

Senator Marri said “this was the 12th meeting in a year and a half regarding the Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway, yet the Secretary of Communications had failed to attend.” She formally summoned him to the next session, reiterating that arrest warrants may be issued if he does not comply.

She also directed that Chairman NHA must ensure their presence during the next meeting.

During the meeting, officials briefed the committee on the Sukkur–Hyderabad and Karachi–Hyderabad motorways as well as other ongoing development schemes. The committee expressed dissatisfaction over the persistent delays in starting work on the Karachi–Hyderabad Motor-way.

Officials assured the committee that work on three sections of the Sukkur–Hyderabad Motor-way would begin in May. The Committee was also briefed on the status of the Karachi Port–Hyderabad Motorway (M-10), and it was informed that land acquisition for the project is planned to begin in the next fiscal year.

However, Senator Marri criticized the shifting timelines, stating that authorities had earlier promised work would start in August, then March, and now May. She stressed that no further delays would be acceptable and urged the ministry to ensure that construction begins as committed.

The Committee was informed about the appointment of the Chairman of NHA and assured that the Committee’s concerns regarding delays would be conveyed for swift resolution.

The Minister of State for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives acknowledged and appreciated the Committee’s role in expediting the process of the Sukkur–Hyderabad (M-6) Motorway. He stressed the continued oversight of the committee over these public-centric projects till completion.

The Ministry of Planning briefed the Committee on the country’s progress regarding the SDGs. The Committee was informed that in the upcoming national report, 173 indicators are expected to be reported out of a total of 250 indicators under the SDGs framework.

The committee showed concern over the stagnant progress on education and literacy goals. The Chairperson highlighted gaps in field surveys and the lack of an effective accountability mechanism for delays. She directed the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics to strictly adhere to timelines to ensure data accuracy for analysis. Moreover, she also directed the Ministry of Planning to strengthen the coordination mechanism among ministries to achieve the SDGs as per timelines.

Emphasizing the critical role of population management in achieving SDGs, the Chairperson questioned why population planning was not being treated as a priority area.

Senator Saadia Abbasi endorsed the Chairperson’s concerns, noting that the rising population poses a major challenge to sustainable development.

Senator Jam Saifullah Khan also highlighted the impact of rapid population growth on water and food resources. The Chairperson reiterated that the National Policy on Population Management must be prioritized and directed the Ministry of Planning to present a comprehensive briefing on policy measures taken for population management in the next meeting.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025