ISLAMABAD: The federal government has declared the Sukkur-Hyderabad-Karachi motorway project as critical to Pakistan’s economic future, while also announcing substantial cuts in electricity tariffs for millions of consumers, the National Assembly was informed on Thursday.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb told the House that the motorway forms an “absolutely critical” link for the country’s economic lifeline, ensuring efficient connectivity between key southern cities. He said the project would be completed at all costs—either through foreign financing or under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).
Echoing the urgency, Minister of State for Planning Chaudhry Armaghan Subhani said the government has placed the project at the top of its infrastructure priorities. “It will be included in the upcoming PSDP and construction work will commence within the year,” he assured lawmakers.
The Assembly also heard that electricity prices for 18 million domestic consumers using less than 200 units monthly have been slashed by 56% since June 2023. Power Minister Sardar Awais Leghari said domestic and agricultural users have benefited from a 20% overall reduction, while industrial users saw a 31% drop.
Leghari projected that Pakistan would become a competitive energy supplier in the region within 12 to 18 months. He added that 7,000 megawatts of surplus electricity is currently available, with further negotiations underway to provide cost relief to industries.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhary highlighted improved global perceptions of Pakistan due to its “effective” response to Indian aggression. He also stressed efforts to boost Pakistan’s passport ranking and lauded record-breaking remittances by overseas Pakistanis.
On the social front, Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights Saba Sadiq informed the House that the long-pending appointment of the National Commission on the Status of Women chairperson would be made soon. She assured continued efforts to safeguard women’s rights, especially those of vulnerable groups, in coordination with stakeholders across all levels.
The House will reconvene at 11 a.m. on Friday.
