Sindh Infrastructure Growth Faces Delays, Funding Issues & Coordination Challenges – A Deep Dive (december 2025)
Sindh province is grappling with significant hurdles in the execution of key infrastructure projects vital to its economic growth, as highlighted in a recent Senate Standing Committee on Planning and Development meeting. Concerns range from project delays and escalating costs to a perceived lack of provincial inclusion in critical decision-making processes and persistent funding shortfalls. This report provides a thorough overview of the issues, projects under scrutiny, and the directives issued by the committee, offering insights for stakeholders and the public alike.
Key Projects Under Review:
The committee’s deliberations centered around several high-profile initiatives, including:
* Karachi Water Supply K-IV Project: This crucial project, financed by the World Bank as a joint federal-provincial undertaking, is facing potential delays. Completion of the associated KB Feeder Project is a critical condition of the World Bank funding, and any further postponement risks significant cost escalation. The committee emphasized the urgent need for coordinated action between federal and provincial irrigation departments, alongside consultants, WAPDA, and NESPAK, to resolve outstanding issues.
* Sukkur-Hyderabad-Karachi Motorway (M-6): Tendering for the M-6 motorway is underway, with the project divided into five sections. Initial projections indicate completion of two sections by June 2026. This vital artery is expected to significantly improve connectivity and facilitate trade across Sindh.
* Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway (M-10): Progress on the M-10 was discussed, though specific details regarding timelines were not prominently featured in the report. Its completion is integral to the broader regional transportation network.
* Main Line-1 (ML-1) Railway Project: The long-delayed ML-1 project, dating back to 2015, is anticipated to receive financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).The committee heard that the foundation stone for the Karachi-rohri section is planned for next year, signaling a potential revival of this strategically important railway upgrade.
* Karachi Green Line BRT: Work on the Green Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, part of a larger common corridor project, is progressing.The project is currently on track for completion by October 31, 2026, with the full allocation of Rs3 billion for the current fiscal year already utilized.
* Thar Coal Rail Connectivity Project: This project sparked significant controversy, with Senator Marri raising serious concerns about the exclusion of the Sindh government from the approval process.The committee questioned the lack of openness and accountability surrounding the project’s PC-I approval, notably the increase in cost from Rs53 billion to Rs90 billion.
Provincial Concerns & Accountability Demands:
A central theme of the committee meeting was the perceived marginalization of the Sindh government in key infrastructure decisions.Senator Marri vehemently protested the lack of consultation regarding the thar Coal Rail Connectivity project, questioning the rationale behind bypassing a key partner in the initiative.
The committee directed Jam Saifullah Khan to investigate and identify those responsible for both the cost increase and the exclusion of the Sindh government. The Railways Secretary was warned against providing inaccurate details to the committee, emphasizing the importance of respecting the Senate’s oversight role. A comprehensive and accurate report on the Thar Coal Rail Connectivity project is due within one month.
Funding Delays & Inter-Departmental Coordination:
Beyond the issue of provincial inclusion, the committee addressed persistent funding delays. Sindh Planning and Development Board Chairman Najam Shah reported that federal funds for Sindh have remained unreleased for two consecutive quarters. The committee issued a directive to the Finance Division to expedite the release of these funds.
Further complicating matters, Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro highlighted issues stemming from the dissolution of the pakistan Works Department. He stated that sindh received only six of its 27 ongoing projects, while other provinces successfully transferred all projects within their jurisdictions.
The committee also addressed a backlog of pending No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for overhead bridges and railway crossings, directing the Railways Secretary to issue all outstanding approvals within one month and submit a compliance report.
Emerging Technologies & Future Infrastructure:
The committee also touched upon future infrastructure developments, including a proposed IT park in Karachi funded by Korea. The project is currently in the tendering phase,signaling a commitment to fostering technological advancement in the province.
Committee Directives & Next Steps:
The Senate Standing Committee on Planning and Development issued several key directives:
* Thar Coal Rail Connectivity: Investigation into cost increases and provincial exclusion; submission of a comprehensive report within one month.
* ML-1 Project: Continued pursuit of ADB funding and adherence to the planned foundation stone
![Renshaw & Wildermuth Power Heat to Record BBL Chase | Brisbane Heat vs [Opponent Team]
OR
Brisbane Heat Make BBL History with Record Chase – Renshaw & Wildermuth Shine](https://i0.wp.com/d16f573ilcot6q.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/3DB9WE6-scaled.webp?resize=150%2C100&ssl=1 "Renshaw & Wildermuth Power Heat to Record BBL Chase | Brisbane Heat vs [Opponent Team]
OR
Brisbane Heat Make BBL History with Record Chase – Renshaw & Wildermuth Shine")
