The board of directors of the Public Private Partnership Authority (P3A) has considered the National Highway Authority’s proposal relating to the Kharian - Rawalpindi Motorway Project (M-13), a strategically important transport corridor expected to enhance regional connectivity, improve mobility, and support economic activity in the region.
Board Meeting Details
The meeting of the board of directors of the Public Private Partnership Authority (P3A) was held Wednesday under the chairmanship of Advisor to the Prime Minister on Privatisation/Chairman Privatisation Commission, Muhammad Ali. The meeting was attended by the minister for planning, development and special initiatives/deputy chairman Planning Commission; the secretary, Privatisation Division; the member (PSD&C), Planning Commission; representatives of the Finance Division; private-sector members of the board; and senior officials of P3A and the Privatisation Division.
Deliberations on PPP Agenda
The Board deliberated upon key matters relating to the advancement of Pakistan’s Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) agenda, with particular focus on enabling investment-ready infrastructure and strengthening institutional capacity for the effective delivery of PPP projects.
Kharian-Rawalpindi Motorway Proposal
A principal agenda item was the consideration of the National Highway Authority’s proposal relating to the Kharian - Rawalpindi Motorway Project (M-13), a strategically important transport corridor expected to enhance regional connectivity, improve mobility, and support economic activity in the region. The board deliberated on the matter in light of the applicable provisions of the P3A Act, 2017, relevant procurement and approval requirements, and the need to ensure that all future actions are undertaken in the public interest, with due regard to transparency, value for money, sound risk allocation, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The board agreed that the National Highway Authority, as the implementing agency, may process the matter through the Ministry of Communications for obtaining all requisite approvals of the federal government in accordance with the provisions of the P3A Act, 2017. It was noted that the commercial terms of the proposed concession arrangement, including financing structure, concession period, tolling framework, risk allocation, and return profile, will be evaluated at the appropriate stage in accordance with the approved transaction framework and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Institutional Strengthening of P3A
The board also reviewed matters relating to institutional strengthening and organizational development of P3A. Emphasis was placed on enhancing the Authority’s human resource capacity, strengthening governance and internal systems, improving technical and transaction advisory capabilities, and ensuring that P3A remains fully equipped to support ministries, divisions, and implementing agencies in the preparation and delivery of commercially viable, bankable, and sustainable PPP projects. The board noted that PPPs are increasingly central to the government of Pakistan’s development and infrastructure agenda. With P3A now operating under the administrative oversight of the Privatisation Division, the Authority is expected to benefit from enhanced policy coordination, institutional alignment, and strategic support to facilitate greater private-sector participation in national development priorities.
Conclusion and Outlook
The meeting concluded with a renewed resolve to advance a robust pipeline of PPP projects and position Pakistan as a progressive, reform-oriented, and investment-ready destination. Through stronger institutions, transparent processes, and meaningful private-sector participation, P3A aims to contribute to a more connected, competitive, and prosperous Pakistan.
