Senate panel concerned over Lowari Tunnel delays, safety
A parliamentary panel on Friday expressed concern over delays, funding constraints and safety arrangements surrounding the Lowari Tunnel and its adjoining road infrastructure.
The Senate Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination also directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to ensure the timely completion of the strategically important project.
The committee met at Parliament House under the chairmanship of Senator Dilawar Khan.
The meeting was attended by Senators Aimal Wali Khan, Syed Kazim Ali Shah, Zamir Hussain Ghumro, Mohammad Abdul Qadir, Naseema Ehsan and Saifullah Abro, along with senior officials from the relevant departments.
NHA officials briefed the committee on the progress of work on the Lowari Tunnel and adjoining roads.
Expressing concern over construction delays, funding issues and safety measures, the committee directed the authority to complete the projects within the stipulated timeframe.
The NHA assured the committee that details regarding Korean financial assistance for the project would be shared at its next meeting.
The committee also expressed concern over delays in the feasibility study for the Chakdara Road project, urging authorities to expedite the process to improve road safety and avoid higher costs in the future.
Members also reviewed the performance and financial position of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), besides examining the condition of tourism facilities and government buildings in Chitral.
The committee sought a detailed report on damaged government properties in the district.
The committee also reviewed the state of telecommunications and electricity in Chitral.
Officials briefed members on the progress of the fibre optic project, electricity supply and load-shedding.
The committee decided to summon officials from the Power Division and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) at its next meeting and directed them to propose measures to ensure uninterrupted mobile phone services.
The committee further discussed issues relating to the transportation of wheat from Punjab to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stressing that unnecessary barriers to inter-provincial trade should be avoided.
The Rawalpindi District Police Officer (DPO) informed the committee that police only take action against vehicles found violating the law.
However, the committee sought records of complaints lodged at police check posts and directed authorities to take action against any officials found involved in corruption.
Officials from the Punjab Food Department informed the committee that there was no ban on transporting wheat out of Punjab, while representatives of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Department briefed members on the province's wheat requirements and supply situation.