HYDERABAD: An unusual approach to development planning has sparked controversy in Sindh after a road in Hyderabad was constructed and opened to traffic despite electricity poles remaining in the middle of the roadway, prompting questions about the provincial government’s planning and coordination.
The controversy intensified after Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah acknowledged that proceeding with road construction without first removing the electricity poles was part of a deliberate strategy to put pressure on the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO). He described the move as a “grand plan”, but his explanation triggered further criticism on social media.
Road Built Before Removal of Electricity Poles?
A video showing electricity poles standing in the middle of an under-construction road from Alamdaar Chowk to Old National Highway in Hyderabad went viral on social media.
The footage showed that construction work had continued despite several electricity poles remaining in the middle of the road, making it difficult for vehicles to pass through certain sections.
Following widespread public criticism, Murad Ali Shah addressed the issue during an event at the Arts Council of Pakistan in Karachi. He said the government had secured approval for land acquisition and had also made payments to HESCO for relocating the electricity poles. However, the utility had not moved the installations despite receiving the payment.
According to the chief minister, the provincial government decided to begin road construction without waiting for the poles to be removed in order to put pressure on HESCO. He said the government expected media coverage of the issue to prompt the federal institution to take action.
Murad Ali Shah claimed that the strategy had resulted in the relocation of 25 out of a total of 100 electricity poles. He also thanked the media and social media users for highlighting the issue and encouraged similar coverage of other stalled development projects.
Chief Minister’s Video Deleted From Official Account
A video of the chief minister’s remarks was shared on the official X account of the Chief Minister’s House. However, the video was subsequently deleted.
Its removal did not end the controversy, as social media users continued questioning the decision to allow traffic on a road where electricity poles remained in place, raising concerns about potential risks to commuters.
Social Media Users Criticise Government Strategy
Murad Ali Shah’s remarks triggered strong reactions from social media users and people from different walks of life.
Social media user and vlogger Ambar Danish criticised the strategy, questioning the wisdom of opening a road filled with electricity poles to traffic while potentially putting people’s lives at risk.
Another user, Muneeb Javed, criticised the decision to restore traffic before relocating the poles, arguing that blaming delays by federal institutions appeared to be an attempt to cover up administrative shortcomings.
The controversy also attracted international attention, with a Spanish television channel reportedly featuring the video in one of its programmes.
HESCO Questions Road Construction Without Pole Relocation
Meanwhile, the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) has also expressed reservations over the decision to construct the road before relocating the electricity poles.
وزیر اعلیٰ سندھ جسکو grand plan قرار دے رہے تھے HESCO نے سوالات اٹھا دیے کہ بغیر ہمارے clearance certificate کے یہ سڑک بنی ؟
سوشل میڈیا پر گالیاں دینے سے بہتر ہے اس سڑک بنانے والے سے باز پرس کریں۔ https://t.co/2TlJlo6rgB— Nadia Mirza (@nadia_a_mirza) November 1, 2026
HESCO spokesperson Sadiq Kabar said the standard procedure required electricity poles and other installations to be relocated before road construction began. He explained that the relevant departments were normally provided with markings and necessary details before construction and carpeting work could proceed.
He said it was difficult to understand why road construction had continued despite the relevant departments being informed about the need to relocate the poles. He added that HESCO had not been given prior information that the construction work would proceed in this manner.
According to the spokesperson, work on 22 feeders along the Alamdaar Chowk-to-Old National Highway project had been completed. He said two scheduled power shutdowns would be carried out on Friday to shift the load from the remaining feeders.
He added that another 25 poles standing in the middle of the road would be dismantled, with the work expected to be completed by Sunday.
Who Will Bear the Cost of Repairing the Newly Built Road?
The controversy has also raised questions about the potential cost and quality of the project.
Since the road was constructed before the removal of the electricity poles, their subsequent relocation may require sections of the newly built road to be excavated and repaired.
This has raised questions about who will bear the additional construction and repair costs, whether the road will retain its durability after further excavation, and whether the repaired sections will meet the required construction standards.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Hyderabad mayor told Geo News that the road was still under construction and had only been temporarily opened to traffic.
The chief minister’s remarks, HESCO’s reservations and the viral footage have brought renewed attention to concerns over development planning, coordination between government departments and public safety in Sindh.
