The National Assembly Standing Committee on Government Assurances has instructed the National Highways Authority (NHA) to ensure strict price regulation and monitoring at motorway service areas across Pakistan. The move aims to address growing public complaints over inflated prices and poor service quality along major routes.
Concerns were raised in Parliament regarding excessive pricing of food, fuel, and essential items on motorways, prompting lawmakers to demand greater accountability. The committee meeting, chaired by MNA Nuzhat Sadiq, emphasized that motorists should receive fair pricing and access to essential facilities such as medical aid and medicines at service stations.
Committee’s Directives and NHA’s Response
Committee members sought detailed information about the M-2 Motorway concession contract, asking the NHA to clarify how pricing control is managed under its agreement with the private concessionaire.
NHA officials responded that while local district administrations oversee price enforcement, the NHA regularly inspects service areas to maintain quality and compliance.
“The committee stressed the need for consistent checks to ensure affordability and public convenience on national highways,” said an official statement.
The session also touched upon gas supply challenges, directing Sui Gas companies to speed up new connections within a five-kilometer radius of gas fields and report progress soon.
Lawmakers further urged OGRA to intensify monitoring of LPG cylinder safety, curbing the production and sale of substandard cylinders that pose risks to consumers.
OGRA’s chairman assured the committee that ongoing inspection drives and awareness campaigns are underway to improve public safety and compliance standards.