The Senate Standing Committee on Planning, chaired by Senator Quratul Ain Marri, convened to review the construction and funding of the M-6 Motorway. Azerbaijan has expressed its intention to invest $2 billion in Pakistan, with the construction cost of the M-6 Motorway estimated at $1.2 billion. If the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) provides funding for the M-6 project, Azerbaijan’s investment may be redirected to the M-10 Motorway.

The Chairman of the National Highway Authority (NHA) briefed the committee on the project’s progress and potential investment opportunities.

The M-6 Motorway is planned to be constructed in five phases. The Islamic Development Bank has shown interest in funding the first two sections of the project. A fact-finding team from the bank visited Pakistan in February, and an appraisal mission is scheduled for April. The final amount of funding from the bank will be determined after the appraisal mission’s visit.

Azerbaijan’s $2 billion investment will be in the form of a long-term deposit, and the country may also collaborate with the Islamic Development Bank to invest in the M-6 project. Further clarity on these investments is expected in April.

The NHA Chairman informed the committee that a hybrid PC-1 will be developed for the M-6 Motorway. The project will initially be offered to local companies under a public-private partnership model. If this model does not succeed, the government will take responsibility for completing the project.

The M-6 Motorway is a critical infrastructure project, and its successful execution is expected to enhance connectivity and boost economic activity in the region. The committee will continue to monitor developments regarding funding and project implementation.