Senate Committee reviews post-flood infrastructure losses, urges urgent federal-provincial coordination
ISLAMABAD ( WEB NEWS )
The Senate Standing Committee on Communications, under the chairmanship of Senator Pervaiz Rashid, was convened on Friday, to review the extent of damage to national infrastructure caused by the recent floods, and to examine the National Highway Authority’s (NHA) ongoing rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.
The meeting, attended by Senators Dost Ali Jeesar, Jam Saifullah Khan, Zamir Hussain Ghumro, Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, Mohammad Abdul Qadir, Saifullah Abro, and special invitee Senator Hidayatullah Khan, covered a multi-point agenda.
Officials from the NHA presented a detailed account of the damage citing that 91 sites damaged in Gilgit-Baltistan, 47 sites in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), 20 sites in Punjab 12 in Balochistan, and 2 in Sindh
Despite the scale of devastation, the NHA confirmed that all routes in Punjab, Sindh, KPK, and Balochistan have been reopened for traffic.
Bridges and critical infrastructure were particularly hard hit including Ayub Bridge in Havelian was affected by floods on August 18, traffic was diverted to a provincial route. BB Nani Bridge on N-5 in Balochistan was similarly bypassed via alternate roads. Similarly Damage near Jalalpur Peerwala on M-5 was reported, with 78 kilometers of the 113-km Shah Shams–Ahmedpur Sharqia section already restored.
Officials noted that the floodwater flow this year was unusually intense, triggered by cloudbursts, landslides, and glacier bursts- many of which occurred after decades of inactivity.
“This time, the flow of water in the rivers was unusual during the flood,” said the NHA Chairman, emphasizing the rare severity. “Water came to some rivers in the northern areas after twenty-two to twenty-eight years.”
NHA reported that Rs 2.6 billion has already been spent on immediate rehabilitation. The total projected cost of rebuilding damaged roads and bridges stands at Rs 15 billion, with completion expected in 6 to 12 months.
Chairman Senator Pervaiz Rashid directed the NHA to seek federal financial assistance on behalf of provincial governments, urging greater inter-agency collaboration.
“Cleaning rivers across the country after the flood is the responsibility of the provincial governments,” said Senator Rashid. “But the federal and provincial governments have to pay each other’s dues, and the provincial governments themselves do not do the work of de-silting rivers.
Amid the widespread damage, the Committee acknowledged the high-quality construction of the M-5 and Havelian–Thakot Motorways, which withstood the floods with minimal damage. No intentional cuts were made on the M-5, despite provincial government requests.
“The M-5 and Havelian–Thakot motorways are of the best quality, stated the NHA Chairman.
Senator Saifullah Abro raised questions regarding the design and history of Ayub Bridge, noting it was constructed using leftover material from Tarbela Dam over 50 years ago. Discussions included proposals to name the new bridge after Jinnah, Ayub, or Havelian
The committee strongly emphasized that Pakistan remains one of the most affected countries by climate change, with members urging the formation of a national task force to tackle the issue.
“We are suffering the punishment of other countries’ mistakes,” said Chairman Rashid. “We will talk to Dr. Musadik Malik regarding climate change.”
Committee members also called for an audit of international aid received for disaster response and for the federal government to take primary responsibility for national disaster management.
“Every relevant agency must play its role to deal with natural disasters,” the NHA Chairman added.
Senators also discussed concerns raised in Starred Questions regarding the dilapidated condition of Lowari Tunnel. The need for constructing Arando and Garam Chashma Roads up to Shah Salim border, Chitral.
Senator Hidayatullah Khan, attending as a special invitee, contributed insights on regional transport bottlenecks and strategic connectivity needs.
Chairman Pervaiz Rashid concluded the session with a call for transparency, accountability, and accelerated action. He reaffirmed that the Senate Communications Committee will continue monitoring the post-flood reconstruction progress, stating: We are reviewing the damage caused to the NHA in today’s meeting. It is now imperative for all levels of government to respond in unison. Reforming efforts are underway under Kamil Ali Agha, and the NHA must fully cooperate with this committee.