News
PM Orders Third-Party Audit of All NHA Projects, Pushes PPP Model
By Mariam Khan
Real Estate Analyst
3 min read
The prime minister has ordered independent third-party audits of all ongoing projects of the National Highway Authority (NHA) and directed officials to develop a strategy for financing more highways, motorways and expressways through public-private partnerships (PPPs). The NHA is currently using its own revenues for projects including the M-12 Sialkot–Kharian Motorway, the M-13 Kharian–Rawalpindi Motorway, the Peshawar Northern Bypass and the reconstruction of the Jaglot–Skardu Road.
Why an Audit of All Ongoing Projects Is Broad
The order covers every ongoing NHA project, not only those named. The reports do not say who will carry out the audits, what they will examine, when they must report or whether work will continue in the meantime. Until those details are issued, the effect on timelines is not known. Our earlier coverage of the NHA motorway and highway project review shows that project progress has already been under scrutiny.
Why Own-Revenue Funding Is Notable
The four projects named are being funded from the NHA's own revenues. That means they depend on what the authority itself collects, and not on federal development releases such as those in the first-quarter PSDP authorisations. The reports do not give the cost of these projects or their completion dates.
Why the Shift Towards PPPs Matters
Officials have been directed to develop a strategy for financing more highways, motorways and expressways through PPPs. This is an instruction to prepare a strategy, and no specific PPP road has been announced in these reports. PPP roads are already being pursued at provincial level, as in Punjab's five PPP road projects including the Faisalabad Ring Road, so the federal direction is consistent with an approach already under way elsewhere.
Why Contractors and Corridor Property Owners Should Watch Closely
Tighter auditing could affect construction timelines, contractor payments and infrastructure spending, while greater use of PPPs could speed up future road projects and development along motorway corridors. Both are possible outcomes and not announced changes. Audits can slow payments if they raise queries, and PPPs depend on private investors being willing to take on the projects.
What This Means for Developers, Contractors and Landowners
Contractors on NHA projects should check how the audits will affect payment schedules and reporting. Developers and landowners near the M-12, M-13, Peshawar Northern Bypass and Jaglot–Skardu corridors should not assume any change in timelines until the NHA says so. Updates will come from the NHA and the Prime Minister's Office.