Senate Shocked Over 16km Lahore-Raiwind Motorway as Calls Grow for Fairer Infrastructure Spending

In a surprising turn of events, a recent Senate committee meeting revealed a decision that has stirred widespread debate and criticism: a new motorway project between Lahore and Raiwind, stretching only 16 kilometers, is being prioritized under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). The disclosure was made during a meeting chaired by Senator Quratulain Marri, and the announcement raised more than a few eyebrows.

Senate Meeting Uncovers Unexpected Priority Project

The revelation came during a Planning and Development Committee session that was expected to review broader national infrastructure strategies. However, officials briefing the committee highlighted this short 16-kilometer motorway as a current priority under the PSDP. The motorway would connect Lahore to Raiwind, a city with close ties to political and religious power circles.

Senator Quratulain Marri, visibly dissatisfied, immediately questioned the wisdom behind prioritizing such a short and localized project when Pakistan continues to face severe infrastructure gaps across many neglected regions. According to her, there are 55 projects currently in the PSDP pipeline that haven’t yet been approved, many of which are in areas with much more urgent needs for development.

She said, “It is deeply concerning that we are allocating resources to a 16-kilometer road while entire provinces like Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and parts of South Punjab still lack basic road connectivity and transport infrastructure.”

Lahore-Raiwind Motorway: What’s Behind It?

While government officials stated that the Lahore-Raiwind project is aimed at improving traffic flow and urban expansion, critics have argued that the short length and location suggest other motivations.

Raiwind is not only home to political leaders but also a hub for religious congregations such as the annual Tableeghi Ijtima, one of the largest Islamic gatherings in the world. The area has also seen massive real estate growth, with luxury housing societies and gated communities flourishing along the Lahore-Raiwind corridor.

Many now suspect that this project is less about national development and more about catering to elite interests and political constituencies.

Opposition and Public Reaction

Public sentiment on social media was quick and scathing. The hashtag #16KmMotorway began trending shortly after the news broke, with citizens, journalists, and analysts questioning the logic behind this allocation.

Economist Dr. Safiya Arshad wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Why spend taxpayers’ money on a 16km motorway in an already developed region? What about Tharparkar, Makran, or Dera Bugti?”

A citizen from Balochistan tweeted, “We are still waiting for proper paved roads in our area. Schools and hospitals are unreachable in the rain. And Lahore gets another road?”

Balochistan Finally Gets Attention: Rs100 Billion for N-5 Highway

While the Lahore-Raiwind project drew criticism, the meeting also revealed a significant positive development: a massive Rs100 billion allocation for the N-5 Highway project in Balochistan. This highway is crucial for improving regional connectivity and opening up economic opportunities in a province that has long been ignored in development plans.

The N-5 Highway runs from Karachi to Peshawar and is one of the country’s main transport arteries. Balochistan’s segment has often been poorly maintained, dangerous, and insufficient to handle the growing transport demand.

Senator Marri praised this allocation but stressed that “one project in Balochistan is not enough.” She called for a comprehensive and long-term development strategy focused on underserved provinces.

Seven More Highway Projects to Be Funded with Foreign Aid

Officials also shared that seven additional highway projects will be funded through foreign assistance, including significant portions of the long-awaited M-6 Motorway, part of the Karachi-Lahore Motorway network.

The M-6 Motorway is expected to improve logistical connections between Sindh and Punjab, helping trade and travel while reducing congestion on the existing national highways. It is particularly important for regions like Sukkur and Hyderabad, which often face travel delays and safety concerns due to outdated infrastructure.

These highway projects are expected to:

• Create jobs

• Facilitate regional trade

• Promote tourism

• Enhance national integration

The foreign funding, reportedly coming from multilateral donors and bilateral partners, is seen as a vote of confidence in Pakistan’s long-term development goals. However, several committee members urged greater transparency and prioritization based on need rather than political considerations.

Calls for Restructuring Development Priorities

In light of the criticism, the committee has officially asked the Ministry of Planning and Development to review its project priorities under the PSDP. Lawmakers across party lines echoed that development funds should reflect the needs of the people rather than the preferences of power elites.

Senator Sardar Shafiq Tareen from Balochistan stated, “We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for equal treatment. Our children deserve roads, schools, and hospitals just like anyone else’s.”

Senator Rubina Khalid added, “We need to stop playing politics with infrastructure. Every rupee must be spent to benefit the maximum number of people.”

Understanding the PSDP and Its Challenges

The Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) is Pakistan’s main federal-level funding mechanism for large-scale infrastructure and development projects. It includes roads, bridges, dams, hospitals, universities, and energy projects.

However, the PSDP has long been criticized for:

• Delays in project approvals

• Favoritism toward politically strong regions

• Cost overruns and corruption

• Lack of impact monitoring

According to a recent report by the Ministry of Finance, more than 40% of PSDP projects face implementation delays due to poor planning and inadequate funding release.

Critics argue that while mega projects in urban areas get media coverage and swift approval, vital community-level infrastructure in remote provinces remains underfunded or ignored.

Regional Inequality in Infrastructure Spending

A comparative analysis of the last five years shows that Punjab has consistently received the largest share of infrastructure spending under the PSDP. Sindh follows, while Balochistan, KP’s tribal districts, and Gilgit-Baltistan receive the smallest portions despite having the greatest need.

Breakdown of PSDP Spending by Region (Approximate Averages):

• Punjab: 40–45%

• Sindh: 20–25%

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 15%

• Balochistan: 10%

• Gilgit-Baltistan/FATA: 5–8%

These statistics have raised alarm bells among development economists and political analysts who warn that such disparity could deepen regional resentment and increase social instability.

What the Experts Say

Dr. Farrukh Saleem, a policy analyst, noted that “infrastructure is more than roads and bridges—it’s about connecting people to opportunity.” He emphasized that road projects must be linked to broader economic goals like job creation, health access, and education delivery.

Urban planning expert Shaista Raza added that micro-projects like the 16km Lahore-Raiwind motorway might make sense in local planning documents but have no place in a national development strategy unless balanced by equitable regional investment.

Government Response and Future Outlook

In response to the backlash, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Planning clarified that the Lahore-Raiwind motorway was part of an “urban traffic decongestion strategy” and is not meant to replace projects in underdeveloped areas. He assured the public that “equal priority” is being given to all provinces and that the government is committed to inclusive development.

However, opposition senators are demanding that the 16km motorway project be paused until a complete review of PSDP priorities is conducted.

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The issue is likely to come up in the next Senate session, and some members are expected to push for a constitutional amendment that would make regional balance a legal requirement for all PSDP planning.

Conclusion: A Test of Political Will

This controversy over a seemingly small 16km motorway may look minor on the surface, but it represents a deeper problem in Pakistan’s development strategy. It raises questions about:

• Who gets access to development first?

• How are national resources distributed?

• What is the real purpose behind some “development” projects?

As Pakistan faces economic pressure and limited funds, every rupee counts. Lawmakers, citizens, and development experts are united in demanding transparency, equity, and fairness in infrastructure planning.

The hope is that this debate will spark real reform—one that prioritizes the long-ignored regions of Pakistan and ensures that development truly reaches every corner of the country, not just the political power centers.

Senate Shocked Over 16km Lahore-Raiwind Motorway as Calls Grow for Fairer Infrastructure Spending

In a surprising turn of events, a recent Senate committee meeting revealed a decision that has stirred widespread debate and criticism: a new motorway project between Lahore and Raiwind, stretching only 16 kilometers, is being prioritized under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). The disclosure was made during a meeting chaired by Senator Quratulain Marri, and the announcement raised more than a few eyebrows.

Senate Meeting Uncovers Unexpected Priority Project

The revelation came during a Planning and Development Committee session that was expected to review broader national infrastructure strategies. However, officials briefing the committee highlighted this short 16-kilometer motorway as a current priority under the PSDP. The motorway would connect Lahore to Raiwind, a city with close ties to political and religious power circles.

Senator Quratulain Marri, visibly dissatisfied, immediately questioned the wisdom behind prioritizing such a short and localized project when Pakistan continues to face severe infrastructure gaps across many neglected regions. According to her, there are 55 projects currently in the PSDP pipeline that haven’t yet been approved, many of which are in areas with much more urgent needs for development.

She said, “It is deeply concerning that we are allocating resources to a 16-kilometer road while entire provinces like Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and parts of South Punjab still lack basic road connectivity and transport infrastructure.”

Lahore-Raiwind Motorway: What’s Behind It?

While government officials stated that the Lahore-Raiwind project is aimed at improving traffic flow and urban expansion, critics have argued that the short length and location suggest other motivations.

Raiwind is not only home to political leaders but also a hub for religious congregations such as the annual Tableeghi Ijtima, one of the largest Islamic gatherings in the world. The area has also seen massive real estate growth, with luxury housing societies and gated communities flourishing along the Lahore-Raiwind corridor.

Many now suspect that this project is less about national development and more about catering to elite interests and political constituencies.

Opposition and Public Reaction

Public sentiment on social media was quick and scathing. The hashtag #16KmMotorway began trending shortly after the news broke, with citizens, journalists, and analysts questioning the logic behind this allocation.

Economist Dr. Safiya Arshad wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Why spend taxpayers’ money on a 16km motorway in an already developed region? What about Tharparkar, Makran, or Dera Bugti?”

A citizen from Balochistan tweeted, “We are still waiting for proper paved roads in our area. Schools and hospitals are unreachable in the rain. And Lahore gets another road?”

Balochistan Finally Gets Attention: Rs100 Billion for N-5 Highway

While the Lahore-Raiwind project drew criticism, the meeting also revealed a significant positive development: a massive Rs100 billion allocation for the N-5 Highway project in Balochistan. This highway is crucial for improving regional connectivity and opening up economic opportunities in a province that has long been ignored in development plans.

The N-5 Highway runs from Karachi to Peshawar and is one of the country’s main transport arteries. Balochistan’s segment has often been poorly maintained, dangerous, and insufficient to handle the growing transport demand.

Senator Marri praised this allocation but stressed that “one project in Balochistan is not enough.” She called for a comprehensive and long-term development strategy focused on underserved provinces.

Seven More Highway Projects to Be Funded with Foreign Aid

Officials also shared that seven additional highway projects will be funded through foreign assistance, including significant portions of the long-awaited M-6 Motorway, part of the Karachi-Lahore Motorway network.

The M-6 Motorway is expected to improve logistical connections between Sindh and Punjab, helping trade and travel while reducing congestion on the existing national highways. It is particularly important for regions like Sukkur and Hyderabad, which often face travel delays and safety concerns due to outdated infrastructure.

These highway projects are expected to:

• Create jobs

• Facilitate regional trade

• Promote tourism

• Enhance national integration

The foreign funding, reportedly coming from multilateral donors and bilateral partners, is seen as a vote of confidence in Pakistan’s long-term development goals. However, several committee members urged greater transparency and prioritization based on need rather than political considerations.

Calls for Restructuring Development Priorities

In light of the criticism, the committee has officially asked the Ministry of Planning and Development to review its project priorities under the PSDP. Lawmakers across party lines echoed that development funds should reflect the needs of the people rather than the preferences of power elites.

Senator Sardar Shafiq Tareen from Balochistan stated, “We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for equal treatment. Our children deserve roads, schools, and hospitals just like anyone else’s.”

Senator Rubina Khalid added, “We need to stop playing politics with infrastructure. Every rupee must be spent to benefit the maximum number of people.”

Understanding the PSDP and Its Challenges

The Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) is Pakistan’s main federal-level funding mechanism for large-scale infrastructure and development projects. It includes roads, bridges, dams, hospitals, universities, and energy projects.

However, the PSDP has long been criticized for:

• Delays in project approvals

• Favoritism toward politically strong regions

• Cost overruns and corruption

• Lack of impact monitoring

According to a recent report by the Ministry of Finance, more than 40% of PSDP projects face implementation delays due to poor planning and inadequate funding release.

Critics argue that while mega projects in urban areas get media coverage and swift approval, vital community-level infrastructure in remote provinces remains underfunded or ignored.

Regional Inequality in Infrastructure Spending

A comparative analysis of the last five years shows that Punjab has consistently received the largest share of infrastructure spending under the PSDP. Sindh follows, while Balochistan, KP’s tribal districts, and Gilgit-Baltistan receive the smallest portions despite having the greatest need.

Breakdown of PSDP Spending by Region (Approximate Averages):

• Punjab: 40–45%

• Sindh: 20–25%

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 15%

• Balochistan: 10%

• Gilgit-Baltistan/FATA: 5–8%

These statistics have raised alarm bells among development economists and political analysts who warn that such disparity could deepen regional resentment and increase social instability.

What the Experts Say

Dr. Farrukh Saleem, a policy analyst, noted that “infrastructure is more than roads and bridges—it’s about connecting people to opportunity.” He emphasized that road projects must be linked to broader economic goals like job creation, health access, and education delivery.

Urban planning expert Shaista Raza added that micro-projects like the 16km Lahore-Raiwind motorway might make sense in local planning documents but have no place in a national development strategy unless balanced by equitable regional investment.

Government Response and Future Outlook

In response to the backlash, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Planning clarified that the Lahore-Raiwind motorway was part of an “urban traffic decongestion strategy” and is not meant to replace projects in underdeveloped areas. He assured the public that “equal priority” is being given to all provinces and that the government is committed to inclusive development.

However, opposition senators are demanding that the 16km motorway project be paused until a complete review of PSDP priorities is conducted.

The issue is likely to come up in the next Senate session, and some members are expected to push for a constitutional amendment that would make regional balance a legal requirement for all PSDP planning.

Conclusion: A Test of Political Will

This controversy over a seemingly small 16km motorway may look minor on the surface, but it represents a deeper problem in Pakistan’s development strategy. It raises questions about:

• Who gets access to development first?

• How are national resources distributed?

• What is the real purpose behind some “development” projects?

As Pakistan faces economic pressure and limited funds, every rupee counts. Lawmakers, citizens, and development experts are united in demanding transparency, equity, and fairness in infrastructure planning.