From policy to practice: How Ministry of Communications is enhancing transparency and accountability

While undertaking wide-ranging initiatives to modernize Pakistan’s communication landscape, the Ministry of Communications, under the able leadership of the Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, is simultaneously strengthening its commitment to transparency and accountability.

Alongside efforts to improve the national road network, enhance safety and security, introduce an Air Ambulance service for emergencies, and bring Pakistan Post in line with international standards, the ministry is leaving no stone unturned to ensure prudent use of public resources. A zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, misprocurement, and misuse of public funds underpins these reforms. Equally important is the establishment of accessible complaint and grievance-redressal mechanisms, enabling citizens to directly engage with the government and hold public institutions accountable.

To this end, Pakistan Post has implemented a Centralized Complaint Management System (CMS) to ensure transparent, efficient, and timely redressal of public complaints. In addition, Pakistan Post regularly conducts both physical and e-Katcheries, providing citizens with a direct platform to voice their concerns and ensuring their swift resolution. Furthermore, the organization maintains an active presence on social media through its official platforms, strengthening communication with the public and ensuring easy access to information, guidance, and support.

To strengthen motorway security, enable real-time surveillance, improve enforcement efficiency, enhance emergency response coordination, and support future smart mobility initiatives, the deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) represents a major step forward. The procurement of a nationwide ITS system was initiated by the National Highway Authority (NHA) in July 2025, with initial implementation planned for key corridors, including the M-1, M-14, and E-35 motorways.

In a significant step toward institutionalizing fiscal accountability and operational transparency, the NHA has transitioned from conventional bidding mechanisms to an “Open Auction” model for the leasing of toll plaza rights. Endorsed by the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) and formally incorporated into the NHA Code pursuant to directives issued by the Federal Ministry and the National Highway Council in May 2025, the new framework is designed to optimize revenue generation while fostering fair and open competition.

Under the revised model, auctions are conducted with live media coverage and comprehensive video recording, ensuring robust public oversight. Key features—such as reserve prices validated by the National Transport Research Centre (NTRC), mandatory active National Tax Number (NTN) status for bidders, and advance security deposits—have already delivered tangible results.

These include increased bidder participation and improved revenue realization, reinforcing the NHA’s commitment to transparency and aligning its operations with the government’s broader ease-of-doing-business agenda. Furthermore, the implementation of e-procurement and digital record-keeping has minimized individual discretion while strengthening audit trails and public confidence.

The NHA has institutionalized a rule-based, merit-driven governance framework, strictly aligned with Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules and international donor standards set by institutions such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

By strengthening institutional checks and balances through independent evaluations and third-party validations, the authority has directly linked these reforms to timely project execution and cost optimization. Over the past two years, these enhanced management controls have not only accelerated the expansion of the national motorway network but have also significantly improved operational efficiency and reinforced the NHA’s institutional credibility.

The NHA enforces a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption through robust internal controls and regular financial, technical, and performance audits conducted by both internal and external oversight bodies. By addressing grievances through formal legal mechanisms and prioritizing projects based on economic returns and strategic relevance, the authority ensures maximum value for public funds and long-term infrastructure sustainability. These reforms have already translated into enhanced revenue generation, reduced cost overruns, and the steady expansion of a national highway network that supports regional trade and economic integration.

Looking ahead, the authority remains firmly committed to transforming Pakistan’s road infrastructure through modernization initiatives that prioritize safety, efficiency, and world-class facilities. With plans for model service areas, smart mobility solutions, and seamless connectivity, the NHA aims to position Pakistan as a vital regional corridor—linking southern ports to Central Asian republics and providing enhanced access to global markets. This strategic vision underscores a determination not only to build roads but to create pathways for economic growth, regional connectivity, and sustained national development.