Senate Committee Orders Immediate Start of Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway Project, Raises Concerns Over ‘Uraan Pakistan’ Program
ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Planning has directed the relevant authorities to begin the construction of the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway within the current fiscal year, emphasizing that the federal government is responsible for building major roads.
The committee, chaired by Quratul Ain Marri, expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of planning for the ‘Uraan Pakistan’ program, as officials from the ministry failed to answer questions from committee members.
During the meeting, Planning Ministry officials briefed the committee about the Uraan Pakistan program, stating that the country’s exports are projected to reach $40 billion this fiscal year, with a target of $60 billion in the next five years.
Concerns Over Water Crisis and ‘Uraan Pakistan’ Program:
- Committee member Shahadat Awan raised concerns about the ongoing water crisis and inquired about plans to address the issue, specifically asking if the provinces had been consulted on the construction of six new canals from the Indus River.
- However, ministry officials could not provide satisfactory answers regarding the Uraan Pakistan program. Chairperson Marri remarked that while the vision of the program was promising, the implementation details were unclear.
Lack of Ministerial Presence:
- Another committee member, Zeeshan Khanzada, pointed out that the ministry lacked detailed plans for the program and criticized the absence of key officials, including the planning minister, who failed to attend the meeting despite a delay requested by their office.
The committee’s concerns highlight ongoing issues with the Uraan Pakistan program’s planning and implementation, as well as broader national issues such as water management.