The National Assembly Standing Committee on Government Assurances has instructed the National Highways Authority (NHA) to intensify its monitoring of product and service prices at motorway service areas across Pakistan. The directive aims to ensure fair pricing and improve the quality of amenities available to travelers. Committee members also emphasized the need to enhance access to medical facilities and essential medicines at motorway rest stops to better serve commuters.
During the meeting chaired by MNA Nuzhat Sadiq at Parliament House, participants from various ministries and departments discussed concerns raised in a parliamentary question about excessive charges along the motorways. Lawmakers requested that the NHA present complete details of its agreement with the concessionaire managing the M-2 Motorway, particularly clauses concerning price regulation. NHA representatives clarified that the two-year concession contract includes maintenance and service operations, while local district administrations are primarily responsible for regulating prices. However, the NHA conducts regular inspections to ensure that service standards and pricing policies are properly implemented.
The committee also reviewed gas supply issues, urging Sui Gas companies to expedite the installation of connections within a five-kilometer radius of gas fields and submit a detailed progress report. Additionally, lawmakers expressed concern over the growing use of substandard LPG cylinders and called on the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to strengthen enforcement against unsafe manufacturing and distribution practices. The OGRA Chairman informed the committee that inspections and public awareness initiatives are ongoing to curb the sale of poor-quality gas cylinders and minimize safety risks for consumers.