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The Peshawar High Court has directed authorities to immediately speed up construction on the Indus Highway, expressing serious concern over years long delays and the growing risks faced by commuters. The directive came as the court reviewed progress reports that judges found incomplete and unsatisfactory.
Construction on the Indus Highway began in 2018 with an original cost of Rs. 30 billion, which has since risen to Rs. 41 billion. Despite nearly 85% completion, the petitioner informed the court that drivers still face disorganized traffic flow and lack of proper management along the route. The bench, led by Chief Justice S.M. Atiq Shah, questioned why progress remained slow even after repeated orders.
“How can an authority function effectively without a chairman?” the Chief Justice remarked, pointing out that NHA is currently operating without formal leadership.
The court also viewed a video showing unsafe road designs, including a hazardous u-turn linked to 274 fatalities, further intensifying concerns over public safety. Officials acknowledged that the Ministry of Communications held a high level meeting after earlier directives, yet many on ground issues remain unresolved. The NHA general manager added that the authority has requested Rs. 6 billion for this fiscal year and Rs. 4 billion for the next to push the project forward.
The bench also noted discrepancies regarding police deployment on the route and summoned the Kohat Commissioner for the next hearing. With delays stretching over seven years, the court stressed that immediate action is required to prevent more accidents and ease the difficulties faced by thousands of daily travelers.
