Contractors warn of obstruction as senators raise concerns over N-55 project

Following the Senate’s inquiry, a consortium of contractors working on the N-55 Expansion Project (funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB)) wrote a letter to Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, alleging that certain senators were misusing their positions to obstruct the award of contracts for the crucial CAREC Tranche-III project.

According to the state-run news agency, APP, the Subcommittee of the Senate Standing Committee on Communications, chaired by Senator Kamil Ali Agha, expressed outrage at the absence of the Federal Minister for Communications, the Secretary, and the NHA Chairman from a crucial meeting held on Thursday.

Senator Saifullah Abro raised his concerns, questioning, “Where are the documents that were promised on August 12?” He emphasised that this lack of cooperation was undermining the committee’s efforts, state-run APP reported.

However, the consortium emphasised that such actions undermine the sanctity of Parliament, jeopardize the timely completion of a strategically important national project, and could harm Pakistan’s credibility with international financial partners.

In the letter, the consortium — Ningxia Communications Construction Co. Ltd – Rustam Associates – Dynamic Constructors Joint Venture (NXCC-RA-DC JV) — warned that political interference could derail the dualization of the 326-kilometre Rajanpur–Dera Ghazi Khan–Dera Ismail Khan highway. The project is considered vital for regional connectivity and economic growth and is being implemented by the National Highway Authority (NHA).

According to the consortium, it was declared the Lowest Evaluated Bidder for all four lots of the project through a transparent, ADB-approved procurement process. However, rival companies owned by sitting senators — Matracon (linked to Senator Abdul Qadir) and Zahir Khan & Brothers (linked to Senator Ahmed Khan) — lost the bidding

They urged Chairman Gilani to intervene and ensure that the Senate is not used as a tool for vested commercial interests. The contractors also pointed out that the federal government had already made a sovereign commitment under its loan agreement with ADB to engage only contractors acceptable to the bank.

The N-55 Expansion Project is a part of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) initiative, and its completion is expected to significantly enhance trade and connectivity across the region.

Delays or obstacles to the project could impede Pakistan’s long-term economic interests and international relations.