Senate Panel On Communications Calls For Provision Of Pak- China Framework Agreement

The Senate Standing Committee on Communications on Wednesday has called for provision of a copy of the framework agreement between China and Pakistan besides data regarding traffic flow of Chinese vehicles.

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Dec, 2018 ) :The Senate Standing Committee on Communications on Wednesday has called for provision of a copy of the framework agreement between China and Pakistan besides data regarding traffic flow of Chinese vehicles.

Chaired by Senator Hidayatullah, the Committee was discussing the issues related to the Multan-Sukkur Motorway. The meeting also discussed in details about on-going projects regarding construction of motorways in the country. The Committee inquired details of who signed the agreement and whether or not they were eligible. The Committee was informed that former minister for planning and development Ahsan Iqbal on being nominated by the Federal Cabinet, signed the document.

Senator Nauman Wazir Khattak questioned the Ministry about violation of PPRA Rules, lack of availability of data and quality control. He also inquired about details of the agreements between Pakistan and China.

Minister of State for Communications Murad Saeed assured the Committee that he will look into the matter and respond to all queries in detail.

While discussing the point of public importance regarding issues of land of local residents on both sides of Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway, the Committee was informed that work on two interchanges i.e. Malir and Memon Goth is in progress. The Committee was assured that after completion of these two interchanges, the mobility of local traffic will be ensured.

Senator Moula Bux Chandio was of the view that besides this, there are many other issues that plague the Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway, one of which is excessive U-turns, which make driving extremely dangerous.

He said that no U-turn has been constructed on motorways in the country.

Speaking about collection of toll tax from small cars along the same route, Senator Moula Bux Chandio said that despite the Committee's directions in the last meeting, there is no implementation.

Senator Syed Sabir Shah was of the view that toll plazas at short junctions create huge traffic congestion. He suggested that it would make things convenient for travelers if toll tax is procured once at the beginning of the journey and once at the destination. He stressed that there will be no loss of revenue if proper strategy is adopted.

While deliberating over issues regarding the Lowari Tunnel between Dir and Chitral, Senator Usman Khan Kakar said it was extremely tedious to travel through this pass as people are held for long hours. The Committee was informed that the reason for holding traffic was to reduce carbon congestion since exhaust fans are out of order and can be dangerous for travelers.

Senator Usman Khan Kakar demanded a report on all important issue and said that this must remain on the Committee's agenda, as long as it is not resolved.

The meeting was attended by Senators Mir Muhammad Yousaf Badini, Syed Muhammad Sabir Shah, Muhammad Usman Khan Kakar, Fida Muhammad and other senior officers from the Ministry of Communications along with all concerned.

Senators Nauman Wazir Khattak and Moula Bux Chandio were the special invitees.