Islamabad, January 28, 2026 — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called a high-level meeting today to review the National Highway Authority’s (NHA) ongoing affairs, with special focus on the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (Carec) Tranche-III project. The urgent session comes amid warnings from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) that a $360 million (approximately Rs108 billion) loan could lapse next year if delays persist, putting critical infrastructure development at risk.
Key Highlights
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chairs the meeting to address NHA matters and the threatened lapse of the $360 million ADB loan for Carec Tranche-III.
- Attendees include Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, federal secretaries, NHA Chairman retired Capt Asad Ullah Khan, and officials from PPRA, audit, and the PMO.
- The Senate Standing Committee on Communications has directed the NHA to initiate the project within 15 days to avoid losing foreign funding.
- Ecnec has approved the NHA’s execution process, and the Islamabad High Court has ordered contract awards without further delay.
- Restarting the tendering process could take over a year and potentially double costs due to price escalation.
Efforts to Prevent Loan Lapse and Accelerate Progress
A PMO document reviewed ahead of the meeting confirms that all deficiencies flagged by parliamentary committees have been resolved. The prime minister will receive a detailed briefing on these corrective steps, alongside updates on judicial and Ecnec approvals that clear the way for swift implementation.
The Senate committee’s January 19 directive was prompted by ADB concerns over the loan’s potential expiry in 2027. By granting the NHA a 15-day window to launch the scheme, the committee has placed the onus on the authority to act decisively — a move seen as essential to protect Pakistan’s access to vital multilateral financing for regional connectivity.
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Why the Project Matters
The Carec Tranche-III road project is a key component of Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen trade links with Central Asia, improve transport efficiency, and boost economic corridors under the broader Carec framework. Losing the ADB loan would not only delay infrastructure upgrades but also signal setbacks in Pakistan’s ability to manage large-scale donor-funded initiatives on time.
With the prime minister personally stepping in, there is quiet hope in official circles that this intervention will cut through red tape and ensure the project moves forward without further hurdles. For ordinary citizens who rely on better roads for trade, travel, and livelihoods, timely execution could mean stronger economic ties and more reliable connectivity in the years ahead. The coming days will show whether this high-level push translates into real momentum on the ground.
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