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Meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives was presided over by its Chairperson  Senator Quratulain Marri to review the progress and implementation status of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the current status of the Sukkur–Hyderabad–Karachi Motorways. The meeting was attended by Senator Jam Saifullah Khan, Senator Shahadat Awan, and Senator Saadia Abbasi.

The Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives (MoPD&SI) briefed the Committee on the country’s progress regarding the SDGs. The Committee was informed that in the upcoming national report, 173 indicators are expected to be reported out of a total of 250 indicators under the SDGs framework. The committee showed concern over the stagnant progress on education and literacy goals. The Chairperson highlighted gaps in field surveys and the lack of an effective accountability mechanism for delays. She directed the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics to strictly adhere to timelines to ensure data accuracy for analysis. Moreover, she also directed Ministry of Planning to strengthen the coordination mechanism among ministries to achieve SDGs as per timelines.

Emphasizing the critical role of population management in achieving SDGs, the Chairperson questioned why population planning was not being treated as a priority area. Senator Saadia Abbasi endorsed the Chairperson’s concerns, noting that the rising population poses a major challenge to sustainable development. Senator Jam Saifullah Khan also highlighted the impact of rapid population growth on water and food resources. The Chairperson reiterated that National Policy on Population Management must be prioritized and directed the Ministry of Planning to present a comprehensive briefing on policy measures taken for population management in the next meeting.

The Committee was also briefed on the updated status of the Sukkur–Hyderabad–Karachi Motorways. Expressing displeasure at the absence of the Secretary communication, the Chairperson questioned the shifting completion timelines and directed that no further delays be allowed in the finalization of the construction process of Sukkur-Hyderabad (M-6) Motorway. The Committee was informed about the appointment of the Chairman NHA and assured that the Committee’s concerns regarding delays would be conveyed for swift resolution. The Chairperson directed that the Secretary Communications and Chairman NHA must ensure their presence in the next meeting.

The Minister of State for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives acknowledged and appreciated the Committee’s role in expediting the process of the Sukkur–Hyderabad (M-6) Motorway. He stressed the continued oversight of Standing Committee over these public centric projects till completion. The Committee was also briefed on the status of the Karachi Port–Hyderabad Motorway (M-10), and it was informed that land acquisition for the project is planned to begin in the next fiscal year.