National Assembly body raps NHA chief over ‘false’ report on N-65

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Communications has reprimanded National Highway Authority (NHA) Chairman Asadullah Khan for delays in constructing major highways, including the Sukkur-Shikarpur road (N-65) and the Dera Murad Jamali Bypass. Khan, who recently returned to his role after being dismissed, admitted to being responsible for a report that overestimated the condition of the N-65 highway.

Committee members Agha Rafiullah and Muhammad Sheharyar criticized the NHA chief and its officials for claiming the road was in "satisfactory" condition, arguing that the public was rightfully frustrated by its poor state, which led to frequent accidents. The NHA had been given two months to address the issue, but no action was taken.

Instead, the authority submitted a deceptive report to the committee, raising questions about the respect shown to public representatives. Committee Chairman Ijaz Jakhrani demanded that the issue be resolved rather than rushing through the meeting. The PPP MNA highlighted that contracts were being awarded haphazardly, leading to poor construction and wastage of public funds.

The committee ordered the NHA to submit a detailed report on substandard construction and poor planning in various projects. This report must include comprehensive information on all aspects of each project, from pre-contract planning to post-completion evaluations. The committee emphasized the need for accountability and prevention of future mishaps.

They also directed the NHA to appoint a capable general manager in Sukkur, emphasizing that the previous one was suspended in September 2026. The NHA's inability to complete the Dera Murad Jamali Bypass, which had been stuck for 20 years due to multiple contracts, was another topic raised by the committee members.