Chitral uplift projects: Senate panel directs NHA to expedite work
ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination has expressed serious concern over delays in the execution of key infrastructure projects in Chitral and directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to expedite work on the Lowari Tunnel, adjoining roads and the Chakdara Road project to ensure their timely completion.
The committee also called for the removal of unnecessary hurdles to the inter-provincial transportation of wheat, as officials from Punjab reiterated that no ban had been imposed on wheat movement to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The committee met here on Friday with Senator Dilawar Khan in the chair. The meeting was attended by Senator Aimal Wali Khan, Senator Syed Kazim Ali Shah, Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro, Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir, Senator Naseema Ehsan, Senator Saifullah Abro and senior officials from other relevant departments.
The committee reviewed development projects and public issues in Chitral, including tourism, roads, electricity, telecommunications, and the inter-provincial transportation of wheat.
The committee discussed the performance and financial situation of PTDC. Members also reviewed the condition of tourism facilities and government buildings in Chitral. A detailed report on damaged government properties was requested.
NHA officials briefed the committee on the progress of work on the Lowari Tunnel and nearby roads. The committee expressed concern over delays, funding, and safety arrangements and directed that these important projects be completed on time. NHA assured the committee that details regarding Korean financial assistance would be shared at the next meeting.
The committee also expressed concern over delays in the feasibility study for the Chakdara Road project and called for its early implementation to improve road safety and reduce future costs.
The meeting reviewed the telecommunications and electricity situation in Chitral. Officials briefed the committee on the fiber optic project, power supply, and load shedding. The committee decided to invite officials from the Power Division and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in the next meeting and directed them to explore measures for uninterrupted mobile services.
The committee discussed issues related to the transportation of wheat from Punjab to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It stressed that unnecessary obstacles to inter-provincial trade should be avoided. The Rawalpindi DPO stated that police only take action against vehicles violating the law.
However, the committee sought records regarding complaints at check posts and directed action against any officials found involved in corruption.
Officials from the Punjab Food Department informed the committee that there is no ban on the transportation of wheat from Punjab, while the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Department briefed members on the province’s wheat requirements and supply situation.
The chairman directed all relevant departments to submit progress reports on the implementation of previous committee decisions before the next meeting. He reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to ensuring timely completion of public welfare projects, transparency, inter-provincial coordination, and improved public services.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026