The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee on InterProvincial Coordination (IPC) was convened here on Thursday under the chairmanship of MNA Muhammad Sana Ullah Khan Masti Khel.

The committee discussed key matters discussed including the longpending completion of approach roads and guide banks for the Kalurkot-Dera Ismail (DI) Khan Bridge and updates on the Social Action Program.

The committee received a briefing from a Member of the National Highway Authority (NHA) regarding the status of linking and approach roads and the construction of guide banks for the bridge over the Indus River.

However, the absence of the Secretary and Chairman of the NHA drew sharp criticism. The committee directed the NHA and the provincial governments of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) to ensure that budget allocations for the remaining infrastructure are included in the financial year 2025-26.

Expressing frustration over a fouryear delay despite the completion of the bridge itself, the committee urged all stakeholders to finalize the associated road works and guide banks within the upcoming fiscal year.

A special committee – comprising the Secretary IPC (as chairman), Special Secretary Punjab, Member NHA, and Secretary Irrigation KP has been tasked with overseeing the progress.

The committee also mandated the presence of the Project Director of the Kalurkot Bridge in a followup meeting scheduled for May 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

In a separate development, the committee congratulated the newly elected body of the Pakistan Football Federation. The Secretary IPC assured the members that the elections had been conducted fairly and transparently.

The meeting was attended by MNAs Anjum Aqeel Khan, Haji Rasool Bux Chandio, Muhammad Iqbal Khan, Khawaja IzharulHassan, and Jamshed Ahmed, along with representatives from the NHA, provincial governments, and officials from the Ministry of IPC.