Parliamentary Committee Told One Individual Controlled Multiple Companies Awarded Toll Plaza Contracts

ISLAMABAD: A subcommittee of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Communications was informed that one individual had established multiple companies and allegedly secured contracts for a large number of toll plazas, raising concerns over transparency in the tendering process.

The meeting, chaired by Syed Hafeezuddin, expressed dissatisfaction over delays in the completion of development projects across the country.

Officials of the National Highway Authority (NHA) briefed the committee that development projects are often delayed due to a lack of timely funding. They explained that if financing were provided on time, projects could be completed within the scheduled deadlines. According to the officials, project funds are allocated in annual installments rather than being released as a lump sum.

The committee was informed that 109 toll plazas have been established nationwide, with the tendering process completed for 90 toll plazas. Officials said 10 toll plazas had been awarded to the National Logistics Corporation (NLC), while the remaining contracts were given to private companies.

During the meeting, the committee’s convener claimed that a single individual had created multiple companies and received contracts for nearly all toll plazas. He said the matter had been reported in the media and was widely discussed in Sindh.

The committee directed the NHA to submit all tendering documents related to the toll plazas at its next meeting. It also summoned the Chairman of the NHA and the Secretary of Communications, warning that a privilege motion could be initiated if they failed to appear.

The committee further sought detailed briefings on the Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway project and the Port Qasim to M-9 road project during the next session.