ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Senator Ahad Khan Cheema has directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to focus on financially viable infrastructure projects and develop a practical business plan to strengthen its long-term financial position.
The directions were issued during a meeting reviewing the NHA’s financial condition, proposed business strategy and an ongoing assessment being conducted by a consultant from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Cheema stressed the importance of realistic project timelines, institutional capacity and effective financial planning to reduce the risk of excessive debt-servicing costs.
The minister called for the inclusion of measurable commercial indicators in project planning documents, known as PC-Is, to help authorities assess proposals submitted to the Central Development Working Party (CDWP). He also directed officials to classify projects according to their financial viability and funding requirements to support better investment decisions.
Cheema further emphasised that obtaining external or commercial financing should not result in a reduction in the NHA’s allocation under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). He said federal development funding remained important for supporting the authority’s infrastructure responsibilities.
The minister also directed officials to share project feasibility assessments promptly with the Finance Division’s Central Monitoring Unit (CMU). He urged the NHA to coordinate closely with the ADB consultant on project mapping, feasibility studies and financial modelling.
The review aims to help identify economically sustainable road infrastructure investments while improving financial planning and limiting future debt-related risks. The effectiveness of the approach will depend on detailed assessments, funding arrangements and implementation of the proposed business plan.
