ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the federal planning and finance ministries to arrange the required funding for the Bhong Interchange on the Multan–Sukkur Motorway within one month.
The court’s direction puts the project’s funding requirements in focus, as a substantial amount of money is reportedly still needed to support further work. However, the order does not mean that the outstanding funds have already been released or that the interchange will be completed within the same period.
Rs1.7 Billion Funding Gap Reported
During the court proceedings, the petitioner’s lawyer stated that the government had previously released Rs100 million for the project. The lawyer further told the court that approximately Rs1.7 billion was still required.
According to the petitioner’s side, the contractor had also completed work worth Rs350 million using its own resources. The available information does not establish whether the government or the National Highway Authority (NHA) has formally verified these figures or whether the contractor has received payment for the work.
The project’s total approved cost and any revised completion schedule were not specified in the information available from the proceedings.
Court Direction Does Not Confirm Immediate Completion
The one-month deadline requires the relevant ministries to arrange funding. The next important step is to determine whether the funds become available within the period set by the court.
The direction alone does not confirm when construction will finish. Progress will depend on the funding arrangements, the status of the remaining work and any updated schedule issued by the responsible authorities.
Further information from the ministries or the NHA may clarify the funding position and the project’s next steps.
Why the Bhong Interchange Matters
Motorway interchanges provide connections between high-speed highways and local road networks. Their availability can improve access for motorists travelling between motorways and nearby areas.
For the Bhong Interchange, the immediate issue remains the arrangement of the required funds. Any assessment of its expected impact on travel, local businesses or surrounding property should take account of the confirmed project scope and construction timeline.
What Property Buyers and Local Businesses Should Watch
Landowners, businesses and prospective property buyers near the project should distinguish between a court order directing officials to arrange funds and confirmation that financing has been secured.
The key developments to monitor include the ministries’ response within the one-month deadline, any funding announcement from the government or NHA, and an official update on the construction schedule.
Until these details become available, the court’s direction should be viewed as a step toward addressing the project’s funding requirements rather than confirmation of a completion date.
