Pakistan, May 20 -- LAHORE - The M-12 Sialkot-Kharian Motorway project has been delayed for years, and its cost has surged by a staggering 264%, raising serious concerns over project planning and execution. Initially estimated at Rs. 22.5 billion, the revised cost now stands at nearly Rs. 82 billion.

Sources revealed that the project remained inactive in official files for four years, contributing significantly to the delay and increase in expenses. During this time, the scope of the project changed, and important processes like land acquisition and technical studies were slowed down.

Originally, the motorway was planned as a four-lane road, but later it was expanded to six lanes. This major change added to the financial burden, especia...