The Senate Standing Committee on Communications has raised serious concerns over alleged corruption in Pakistan’s motorway system, particularly the collection of tolls in Sindh, along with officials continuing in posts after their deputation periods expired.

The committee, chaired by Senator Pervaiz Rashid, was briefed that authorities follow a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and had taken disciplinary action against 178 officers in Sindh.

Senator Saifullah Abro questioned why a large number of officials remained on deputation despite completing their permitted tenure. He said 331 officials had already completed their deputation period and argued that such postings could not legally continue beyond five years.

Abro also raised allegations surrounding the outsourcing of toll collection in Sindh to a private company. He claimed that corruption had been reported in the process and questioned the responsibility of the relevant authorities.

The committee also took up the case of SP Khalid Makhdumi. Abro said Makhdumi retired in July 2025 but was still serving, alleging that his continued presence was connected to toll collection arrangements.

Officials told the committee that the case involved a dispute over his date of birth and that he had secured a stay order from the court. Abro said a High Court inquiry committee had already called for action in the matter.

The committee recommended that the Establishment Division be formally told that the Communications Ministry and National Highway Authority no longer required Makhdumi’s services.

Separately, the committee reviewed the Naigaj Dam project and questioned a major increase in its estimated cost. Abro said the project had initially been valued at Rs. 12 billion before the estimate rose to Rs. 45 billion and later Rs. 85 billion.

The committee directed the relevant authorities to address concerns over alleged corruption, toll collection arrangements and prolonged deputation postings within the motorway system.