The National Assembly Standing Committee on Communications has directed the National Highway Authority to immediately address road closures and worsening traffic congestion caused by ongoing repair and maintenance work on national highways.

During a meeting chaired by Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, members expressed concern over public inconvenience resulting from blocked lanes and bottlenecks near toll plazas. The committee ordered the NHA to ensure that all lanes at toll plazas remain open to maintain uninterrupted traffic flow.

It warned that authorities should take strict action, including cancellation of contracts, against toll operators found violating prescribed standard operating procedures.

NHA Chief Executive Capt Asadullah Khan (Retd) briefed the committee on the authority’s financial constraints. He said ongoing development schemes worth Rs. 3.4 trillion have significantly limited space for new projects in the upcoming financial year.

The “throw forward” of existing schemes into FY 2026 to 27 stands at Rs. 2.7 trillion, including the USD 1.8 billion M-6 Sukkur to Hyderabad Motorway.

The committee also raised concerns over delays in submitting Public Sector Development Programme proposals and sought clarification regarding reports describing the NHA as the largest loss making state owned enterprise. It asked the authority to present a detailed financial briefing at the next meeting.