KP assembly panel meets, reviews progress on development projects

PESHAWAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th May, 2026) A meeting of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly’s Standing Committee on Communications and Works chaired by Mushtaq Ahmad Ghani on Wednesday and reviewed implementation of previous decisions and progress on development projects.

The meeting was attended by Provincial Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Aftab Alam, committee members including Muhammad Yamin Khan, Zubair Khan, Arifa Bibi, Asma Alam, Farah Khan and Shahida Waheed, Secretary Communications and Works Department and officials from law department, and Provincial Assembly Secretariat representatives.

The committee conducted a detailed review of progress made on directives issued during its previous meeting held on December 21, 2024 and expressed serious concern over the department’s slow progress regarding a key development project worth billions of rupees.

Chairman said that despite passage of considerable time, insignificant progress has been made on reconstruction and rehabilitation of flood-affected roads and bridges in South Waziristan and Upper Dir.

Briefing the committee, the secretary communications stated that three inquiries into the project had been completed so far. As a result, several senior officers were demoted while recovery of Rs82 million from various contractors had been recommended.

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However, five contractors obtained a stay order from the High Court against the recovery process which has remained in effect since August 2023. He informed the committee that the department lacks adequate resources for effective legal representation.

The chairman directed the department to immediately submit a summary for hiring senior legal counsel to ensure strong representation in the High Court and to remove stay order so that recovery and accountability proceedings can move forward.

MPA Muhammad Yamin Khan also highlighted the deteriorating condition of roads and bridges in Upper Dir stating that many structures destroyed by floods years ago have still not been reconstructed or repaired. Taking strict notice, the chairman ordered the formation of a subcommittee to visit Upper Dir and submit a report after inspecting ongoing and completed development projects.

Committee members also express concern over the poor condition of major roads in Mardan district. The standing committee directed relevant authorities to take immediate practical steps for the repair and restoration of these roads to address public hardships without delay.