Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs Division on Friday given National Highway Authority (NHA) two weeks deadline to furnish complete detail on dualization of N-55, multibillions project of infrastructural development.
During course of proceedings, committee chairperson Senator Saifullah Abbro expressed serious reservations about the potential awarding of the contract for dualisation of Rajhanpur-Dera Ismail Khan Road project under CAREC Tranche-III to a company previously associated with performance issues.
He highlighted concerns over the termination of the Multan-Lodheran Motorway section contract and subsequent arbitration rulings, questioning the impartiality of arbitrator Zafar Siddiqui.
In response to his criticism, Ashfaq Khan Member Aided Projects of NHA defended the credibility of Zafar Siddiqui, citing his extensive arbitration experience and clarifying that any payments made were unrelated to the current project under scrutiny.
Chairman committee insisted on a detailed financial audit to verify the legitimacy of the bidding process and financial claims made by local partners.
Azeem Ullah financial expert from NHA, explained the standard practice regarding joint ventures and reiterated the legality of claims made by partners in released amounts.
Despite these clarifications, Senator Abbro remained steadfast in his demand for a thorough money trail of financial turnovers.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of NHA intervened to underscore the adherence to legal procedures in appointing arbitrators and conducting evaluations, emphasizing the transparency of the process.
In response to the committee’s proceedings, a spokesperson for the lowest joint venture—led by a Chinese firm Imdad Ullah called the process “unilateral and unjustified.” He accused Senator Saifullah Abbro of consistently targeting their company without merit and creating unwarranted controversy.
He further stated that their bid won through a transparent and competitive process, beating the next lowest offer by Rs. 12.19 billion. NHA had independently vetted their technical and financial proposals. He alleged that certain lawmakers who failed to secure the contract due to high bids were now using parliamentary forums to delay a project already inaugurated by the Prime Minister.
Committee emphasized the urgency of receiving comprehensive details from NHA within the stipulated two-week timeframe. The committee members echoed the sentiment that the prolonged scrutiny warranted swift closure for the national interest.
