Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has emphasized the critical importance of the Sukkur-Hyderabad-Karachi motorway, describing it as a vital component of Pakistan’s economic lifeline.
Speaking during a session of the National Assembly in Islamabad on Thursday, the finance minister said the project has been placed among the top priorities. He assured that construction will proceed regardless of whether funding comes from foreign sources or the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).
Addressing a calling attention notice, Minister of State for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Chaudhry Armaghan Subhani reiterated the government’s commitment to the motorway. He confirmed that the project will be part of the upcoming PSDP, with construction starting this year.
The Assembly also received updates on electricity tariffs. Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari reported that since June of last year, there has been a 56% reduction in electricity prices for around 18 million users consuming less than 200 units. Overall, domestic consumers and farmers saw a 20% price drop, while industries benefited from a 31% reduction.
He also expressed confidence that Pakistan could become a competitive electricity supplier in the region within the next 12 to 18 months. He highlighted that 7,000 megawatts of surplus power is available over the next three years, and discussions with development partners are ongoing to provide further relief to the industrial sector.
Meanwhile, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhary stated that Pakistan’s global reputation has improved due to a strong stance against Indian aggression. He also said the government is working to improve the ranking of the Pakistani passport, and that record remittances from overseas Pakistanis are being received.
Additionally, Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights Saba Sadiq noted that a new Chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women will be appointed soon. She affirmed that the commission is actively working with federal, provincial, and regional bodies to protect women’s rights, especially for vulnerable groups.
