An investigation by Azaad Investigations has revealed important facts regarding criticism and allegations made by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister against the National Logistics Cell (NLC).
According to the investigation, a review of available official documents and data shows a clear difference between the allegations made by the provincial government and the facts contained in official records.
The investigation examined projects awarded to NLC by the provincial cabinet during the tenure of former KP chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
Projects cancelled over funding, security concerns
According to Azaad Investigations, the projects were not cancelled because of poor performance by NLC. Instead, the cancellations were linked to the provincial government’s financial difficulties and security concerns.
Four major bridge projects in Peshawar were cancelled because the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government faced a severe shortage of funds.
The Sheikh Badin-I and Sheikh Badin-II projects, along with the Lakki Marwat Nursing College project, were also stopped because of security concerns and a shortage of provincial funds.
The investigation said official records did not show any NLC project being cancelled because of poor performance or substandard quality.
NLC continues work on major projects
Despite criticism from the provincial government, NLC continues work on several major development projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The two flyovers in Dera Ismail Khan, with a total cost of Rs2.607 billion, were handed over to NLC following a special request from former chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
The project was originally scheduled for completion in October 2027. However, according to the investigation, the work is progressing at a faster pace and the project is now expected to be completed by April 2027.
Work on the Rs896 million Digital City Haripur project is also continuing despite the non-release of provincial funds.
Meanwhile, the Rs1.68 billion Tanda Dam project in Kohat is progressing through a highly technical stage, according to the investigation.
NLC completed major projects in KP
Azaad Investigations also reviewed several major projects that NLC completed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in recent years and handed over to the provincial government.
These include:
- Hayatabad Sports Complex — Rs1.012 billion
- Bab-e-Peshawar Flyover — Rs1.25 billion
- Service Roads, Peshawar Ring Road — Rs1.16 billion
- Mega Park Mardan — Rs391 million
- Sheikh Maltoon Town Mardan — Rs384 million
- Charsadda Chowk Flyover — Rs516 million
- Jawad Chowk Flyover, Mardan — Rs460 million
Funding shortage cited as key issue
The investigation said the main reason for delays and interruptions in various projects was the non-release of funds by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.
According to Azaad Investigations, NLC has remained committed to fulfilling its contractual obligations.
The Digital City Haripur project was cited as an example. The project originally had an 18-month completion period and was scheduled to be completed in November 2023.
However, the investigation said delays in the release of funds by the provincial government pushed the expected completion date to December 2026.
Investigation challenges KP CM’s claims
Azaad Investigations concluded that official facts and data do not support the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister’s statement.
According to the investigation, delays and cancellations in the projects were mainly linked to the provincial government’s financial constraints and security concerns rather than NLC’s performance.
The investigation said the available official records support its findings regarding the cancellation, progress and status of NLC projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
