Defense Minister Khawaja Asif Shares Video Highlighting Poor Road Conditions in Sialkot Project

Sialkot:Defense Minister Khawaja Asif recently shared a video on social media showcasing the poor condition of a road in Sialkot, which is part of a major project funded by the World Bank. The video clearly shows large potholes on the newly constructed road, raising concerns about the quality of the work.

In his social media post, Khawaja Asif mentioned that the project is part of the PICIIP initiative, which has been ongoing for several years with World Bank loans for the development of infrastructure in Sialkot and Sahiwal. He pointed out that the video speaks volumes about the quality of the work done.

The federal minister specifically referred to Khadim Ali Road in Sialkot, where the contractor, involved in the PICIIP project, had installed pipes underneath the road. Asif stressed that this detail alone gives an insight into the overall quality of the work done on the project. He also highlighted that while a disposal system has been constructed outside the city, it is yet to be activated.

یہ ایک پراجیکٹ ھے جس کا نام PICIIP ھے سینکڑوں ڈالر کا ورلڈ بینک کا قرضہ دو شہروں سیالکوٹ اور ساہیوال میں کئی سال سے کام ھو رہا ھے۔ کام کی کوالٹی کا آپ اس وڈیو سے اندازہ لگا لیں۔ یہ سیالکوٹ میں خادم علی روڈ ھے اور اسکے نیچے PICCIP کے ٹھیکدار نے پائپ ڈالے ھیں ۔ اس سے باقی کام کی… pic.twitter.com/UA019UFOSh

— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) August 29, 2025

Khawaja Asif further criticized the contractor, calling him “powerful” and revealed that he is also a member of the Parliament. “You can imagine, he has limitless wealth, and perhaps there will never be any accountability,” he remarked, adding that speaking up is his responsibility since this is his constituency.

This comes just a few days after the Defense Minister had previously voiced concerns over corruption in the construction of roads and bridges, mentioning that such projects often “fall prey to the elements” after completion.