Concern Raised Over Outdated Population Data; Committee Urges Timely Completion of Ongoing Development Projects Before Launching New Ones
Islamabad (Izhar Khan Niazi): The Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, chaired by Senator Qurat-ul-Ain Marri, met at Parliament House to review the implementation of the National Population Action Plan (2021–2026) and the progress of various development projects undertaken by the National Highway Authority (NHA). The meeting was attended by the Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, along with committee members.
During a briefing by the Ministry of National Health Services, the committee was informed that the National Population Action Plan was approved in May 2021 at an estimated cost of Rs. 1.9966 billion. The plan covers 10 districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, 14 districts of Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Islamabad Capital Territory.
Officials informed the committee that Rs. 1.6796 billion has been allocated for the procurement of contraceptive medicines and commodities, all of which are imported. For the 2026–27 fiscal year, Rs. 250 million has been earmarked for a public awareness media campaign and the procurement of contraceptive supplies.
The committee was further informed that the latest available demographic data is based on the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) 2017–18, while the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) is currently conducting a new survey to produce updated demographic data for 2025–26.
Expressing concern over the delay in completing the survey, Chairperson Senator Qurat-ul-Ain Marri said that the absence of up-to-date demographic statistics hampers evidence-based planning, policymaking, and the effective allocation of resources. She directed the Ministry of Health to present a comprehensive briefing at the next meeting covering all aspects of the project, including the procurement, distribution, utilization, and challenges related to contraceptive supplies.
The committee also reviewed the implementation of decisions made by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) regarding NHA projects financed under the Cash Development Loan. NHA officials informed members that a comprehensive proposal for restructuring project-related loans is being prepared jointly by the Ministry of Communications and the Ministry of Finance.
The chairperson expressed dissatisfaction over the delay, stating that the classification and prioritization of projects should have been completed much earlier.
Members also received a briefing on the M-6 Motorway Project, during which officials stated that the project’s groundbreaking is expected later this year. They further informed the committee that rehabilitation work on various sections of the N-5 National Highway is currently underway with financial assistance from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). Officials added that the condition of national highways is assessed annually through a road condition survey to facilitate timely maintenance and rehabilitation.
The committee was also briefed on the progress of the N-55 Highway Project. Officials reported that 34 percent of the second-phase Shikarpur–Kandhkot section has been completed, while only 22 percent of the Kandhkot–Kashmore section has been finished, making it unlikely to meet its scheduled completion deadline. However, the remaining two sections of the second phase are expected to be completed within the stipulated timeframe.
Concluding the meeting, Chairperson Senator Qurat-ul-Ain Marri emphasized that the timely completion of ongoing development projects must remain the government’s top priority. She stressed that, given limited public resources, substantial progress should first be achieved on existing projects before launching new development initiatives.