Senate Panel Criticizes Lack of Progress on Foreign-Funded Development Projects

The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs on Thursday criticized the lack of progress on some of the development projects worth $10 billion which had been funded by foreign creditors and countries. The committee reviewed updates on development projects funded by international financial institutions in Pakistan. Special Secretary Economic Affairs Division said that 33 development projects collectively worth $10 billion had been undertaken, with $9.35 billion already disbursed. Officials said Balochistan had received $740 million for 24 completed projects and $440 million for 13 ongoing initiatives. The committee also expressed frustration over delays in the Chakdara-Timargarha road expansion project, which was funded four years ago but remains inactive. The project is scheduled for completion by 2027 but has seen no real progress. One senator criticized the National Highway Authority (NHA) for its failure to keep the project on the correct course. The committee directed the NHA to submit detailed reports on pending projects, including consultant appointments and construction costs, particularly for projects involving South Korean collaboration. The committee chairman expressed his annoyance over the lack of preparation by officials and said that their inability to adhere to the agenda wastes valuable time.