Senators, road project bidder locked in row

Tensions flared in the Senate Sub-committee on Communications after the Chinese-led consortium undertaking the Central Asia Regional Economic Corridor project refused to provide additional documents beyond its original bid, a move that sparked outrage among lawmakers who accused the firm of evading scrutiny.

Officials of the National Highway Authority (NHA) briefed members that, on the directives of the sub-committee as well as the Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, the lowest bidder had been asked to furnish further details to verify its credentials.

However, the consortium declined the request, insisting that it had already provided comprehensive documents in line with tender requirements. A letter from the consortium, presented before the committee, stressed that any additional demands must be tied to specific clauses of bidding documents.

It categorically rejected the submission of records such as detailed payment histories, bank statements, and tax certificates, describing them as beyond the original tender scope. The refusal triggered strong criticism from committee members, who maintained that companies were deliberately withholding information to avoid accountability. Lawmakers expressed suspicion that the contract had not been awarded through fair play.

Senator Saifullah Abro recommended that the NHA formally approach the Asian Development Bank to seek clarity on the consortium's obligations and highlight the committee's concerns.

Consortium spokesman Imdadullah defended the company, asserting that it had secured the project "in a just and transparent manner." He alleged that some parliamentarians, who had stakes in rival bids, were now attempting to "manipulate the system" to derail the project. "We firmly believe in transparency and openness, but any discrimination at the behest of unsuccessful bidders, who also happen to be members of the upper house, will not be tolerated," the spokesman stated.